The key to growing your curls

If you think your hair grows faster in the summertime, you are right.  The human body has to work harder during the summer months to cool you down.  This is because of faster cell division, which is the result of more efficient blood circulation throughout your body, which leads to faster hair growth.  You hair can grow up to 10 percent faster in the summertime.  The key is to maintain this growth by keeping your hair healthy.  

You can do this by:

1.  Keeping your hair conditioned and out of the sun.  The heat from the sun can wreck havoc on your curls, which leads to breakage and lack luster tresses.

2.  Whenever possible, AIR DRY!  Blow dyers, flat irons and hot rollers can cause split ends, which means more frequent trims.

3. Which leads me to my last point, if your hair is damaged, you MUST GET RID OF IT.  Don't be afraid to trim your split ends, your hair will grow back.  If you don't trim it now, you will have to cut more off later.  Damage only increases in time....it doesn't go away.

Whether your hair is curly or straight, the key to growing long hair is having healthy hair.

Good Product Ingredients for Curliecues

When it comes to shampoos and conditioners, the more natural the ingredients, the better they are for your hair.  Again, you don't have to spend a lot of money on expensive products.  There are a lot of reasonable options out there or you can cook up your own concoction at home.  The important thing to keep in mind is that naturally curly hair craves moisture. Replenishing your hair's natural oils and moisture should be the number one goal of your shampoo and/or conditioner.   Here is a list of ingredients that you should look for in your curliecue hair products.

What's Good:

1.  Water should be the first ingredient.

2.  Panthenol and Glycerin-They help to bind water to your hair, therefore locking in moisture.

3. Olive, Honey, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Jojoba or Almond Oils.

4.  Shea butter and coconut are excellent for intense, deep conditioning.

5.  Peppermint, lavender and castor oils are also great for stimulating hair growth.

6.  Protein is good for strengthening and restructuring your hair.  But be careful, with this one.  Too much protein can be drying, causing damage and breakage to your hair.

What works for you, may not work for another curliecue.  Knowing your own specific hair type  is essential to finding the specific ingredients that will help you achieve your own hair goals.

Product Ingredients that Curliecues should avoid

Natural curliecues should take extra care when it comes to preserving their curls.  So, that is why you need to take your time and read the ingredients on all your hair products.  Everything from shampoos, conditioners to curl defining cremes contain ingredients that could be potentially damaging and drying to your hair.  Some of these ingredients can be found in both expensive and cheap hair products.

Here's a list for you to keep in mind:

 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
Ammonium Xylene Sulfonate
TEA Lauryl Sulfate
Sulfur (in dandruff shampoos)
Selenium Sulfide (in dandruff shampoos

Magnesium Sulfate
Sodium Thiosulfate
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Alkyl Sodium Sulfate
Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate
TEA-Dodecylbenzene
Sodium C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate
Sodium Dodecyl Sulfonate

I know this is a very comprehensive list.  Some of the products I use contain some of these bad ingredients.  Don't be alarmed if you discover the same thing.  Will they leave you bald in the morning?  No, probably not. But why choose something bad when there are so many good products out there to choose from?  In my next post, I'll give you some examples of products that are good for your hair.

Before you take that dip in the pool...

ask yourself:  What am I doing to protect my curls?  The summertime is full of pool parties and relaxing days at the beach.  You already know its imperative to apply sunscreen to your skin before you head out into the sun.  But its just as equally important that you take the same care with your hair.  Remember, your hair is an extension of your skin and it deserves the same amount of protection and attention.  Here are three products that I like:

1. Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil

With your hair in a bun or pony tail and saturated with a LIC, spray some of this liberally all throughout your hair BEFORE you head to the sun,pool or beach. This is a lightweight, water-resistant UV defense mist that forms an invisible screen to help protect hair from sun exposure for up to 16 hours! It helps with color fading, damage and dryness.  Feel free to touch up with a a spritz or two throughout the day. 

2. Aveda Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser 

This color safe formula gently and effectively removes chlorine, salt and product build-up, while helping to maintain moisture balance.  This should be used IMMEDIATELY after your day at the pool or beach.  Chlorine can turn plump and luscious curls into dry and brittle straw.

3.  Aveda Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque

This intensive and rich cream  helps to restore sun-exposed hair,moisturizes and helps defend against free radicals.  Indulge in this rich treatment.  It will make your curls soft and defined again.

For more information on the ingredients in these products, go to:  www.aveda.com and search for "sun care".

Care for Color Treated Curliecues

Over the weekend, some of my curliecue friends and I were talking about the challenges of having color-treated hair.  One of the nice things about having naturally curly hair is that you can color your hair, without the added stress of chemical relaxers.  When I first colored my hair more than a year ago, my stylist told me I didn't have to worry about breakage because my hair was natural. What she DIDN'T tell me however, is how much I have to moisturize my hair because of the EXCESSIVE DRYNESS.  My natural hair color is dark brown...but I colored my hair several shades lighter which looked like straw when it was dry.  So over time I noticed my hair was becoming a lot harder to detangle.  I also noticed more split ends which meant more frequent trims.  Most hair colors contain ammonia, peroxide and alcohol, which are your hair's worst enemies, natural or not.  However, that doesn't mean you should steer clear of hair color altogether.  You just have to take a few more precautions.

1.  Use a shampoo/conditioner specifically suited to color-treated hair.  It will help you retain your color longer and will give your hair the extra moisture it needs.

2.  Apply a deep conditioner once or twice a month.  Preferably under a heat source.

3.  Always use a wide tooth comb to detangle your hair.  Do it gently and slowly. Don't rush this process as it will lead to snapping and popping of your hair.  Take extra care when combing through the ends.

4.  Whenever possible...air dry your hair.  Excessive blow drying can be hard on your hair   Also, minimize your use of curling irons and hot rollers.  The more heat you use, the more you damage your hair.

5.  Trim your ends every four to six weeks.  Some people can go longer. depending on the density and texture of your hair.  But if you notice split ends...get rid of them.  It only leads to more breakage.

6.  Avoid being a product junkie.  I know that is a hard thing to do, especially when there are so many options to choose from.  But when you load your hair with creams, gels, lotions, and hair sprays, the more you are robbing your hair of its natural shine, movement and moisture.

Curliecue Deals

It's FRIDAY.. the start of another summer weekend!  For many of us (including myself), the weekend also means shopping and spending money.  So allow me to help you save some cash, at least on your curly hair products. I've compiled a short list of sites which offer discounts on some of your favorite products.  If you know of some other great deals, feel free to share!

1.  Curl Mart-Save 15% at Curlmart.com TODAY only.  Coupon code VACA15. 

2.  Carols Daughter-Free shipping on purchases over $50 (plus a one year subscription to Essence Magazine). Go to:  www.carolsdaughter.com

3.  Save 25% off until 7/31/09 at midnight on all regular size CURLS products.

Coupon Code:  mycocktail (all lowercase)  Go to:  www.curls.biz

4.  Save 25% off all DevaCurl Hair products.  Go to:  www.usahairsearch.com

5.  Save 10% off products (such as Moroccan Oil, Bumble and  Bumble, Aveda, and Curl Life by Matrix)  Plus free shipping on all orders over $50.  Coupon Code:  GLD2009

Go to:  www.goodlookingdiscounts.com

Moisture for Curliecues

The curlier your hair is the more you'll have to make sure it's moisturized.  That is why it is imperative to apply a rich and creamy leave in conditioner immediately after you CW.

You should also be applying a DC once a week, preferably under a dryer or a shower cap while you take a steamy shower.  Then, there are those times between washes that you must not forget.  Depending upon the frequency of your washing routine, you must make sure your hair is protected with either creams or oils.  Remember that curly hair is prone to dryness and frizz. which leads to breakage.  So the more you take care of your curls, the prettier and healthier your curls will be.

Following is a list of some products that I currently use or have used before. Feel free to add your favs as well!.

Leave In Conditioners

Mixed Chicks Leave In Conditioner

Bumble and Bumble Leave In Conditioner

Deep Conditioner

Miss Jessies Rapid Recovery Treatment

Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner

PhytoSpecific Intense Nutrition Mask (Ultra Dry Hair)

Carol's Daughter Tui Hair Smoothie

Daily Creams/Oils (in between washes)

Mizani Rose H2O

Carol's Daughter Tui Hair Oil

Mizani H2O Intense Nightime Treatment

Speaking of satin...

I was in the beauty supply store the other day and I came across these...satin covered rollers from Goody. Seems like a good idea for someone who wants more of a 'wet set' look.  Each roller is wrapped in satin to protect hair against split ends.  There are two sizes....a smaller roller for a tight curl and a large roller for just a slight 'bump'.  I haven't tried these yet...but I will soon just to see if they actually work.  Seems like a much less expensive option for the $50 plus you would spend at a hair salon for a 'wet set'.  I will let you know how it turns out.

Before you go to bed.....

If you are a curliecue, you should already know this by now. But in case you don't, satin pillowcases should be the ONLY thing you lay your head on at night.  They reduce the friction between the pillow and your hair, therefore reducing hair breakage.  Cotton pillowcases dry out your hair.  Satin pillowcases protect your curls and keep them soft.  Another bonus, satin is hypo-allergenic so its good for all you allergy sufferers too!  

Now for the really good news:  JC PENNEY has a bedding sale this week and silky satin pillowcases are 40%-60% OFF!  Sale ends 7/28.  Check out the selection:  www.jcpenney.com.

CW 101

Condition or CoWashing is a "must do" routine for curliecues of all textures. Because curly hair tends to be prone to dryness and frizz, it is important that you find the right balance between clean hair and moisturized hair.  CW softens your hair, makes it more manageable and easier to detangle. It protects your hair's natural oils and shine.

Because you will be using a generous amount of conditioner in your hair, you don't have to buy the expensive brands.  I've been using Neutrogena's Triple Moisture conditioner for a while now.  Just this week, I've started using Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner in my CW routine.  Both products make my hair soft, smooth and help to define my curl pattern.

Although this may be elementary for some, other newer curliecues may not be familiar with CW. 

So here's my simple CW routine:

1.  I saturate my hair under the shower head for at least five minutes.  I take my time to make sure water has reached every strand on my hair.

2.  Then I apply conditioner all over my head working through to my scalp.  I gently massage my scalp to loosen any dirt or product buildup.

3.  Starting at the nape of my neck, I start dividing my hair into sections. Make sure your sections are not too big because you will have to comb through each one.  

4.  I take my first section and saturate it with conditioner.  While standing under the shower head, I take a wide tooth comb and detangle my hair.  I start combing from the ends and work my way up very carefully until I can sweep the comb though with one full, smooth stroke. Remember, your hair is most vulnerable to breakage while its wet.  

5.  I continue this method for each section of my hair.  The key is make sure your hair is saturated with both conditioner and running water at the same time.  

6.  When I'm finished I submerge my head under the shower and make sure I can comb through my hair with ease.  Then I continue with the rest of my CHR.

That's it.  Simple enough, right? I rarely use a regular shampoo to wash my hair...maybe every other month or so.  That's only to make sure all product residue is removed from my hair.  CW is easy and the best thing curliecues can do protect and treat their curls

Should you wash your hair today?

A popular dilemma facing curliecues everywhere is:  How often should I wash my hair? The answer really depends on your hair texture, condition and your level of activity/exercise.  For example, I'm a runner (who perspires A LOT) with naturally curly hair.  My hair consists of several different textures from coarse, wavy to fine curls. So, I usually wash my hair every three days....about twice a week. I've found that if I wait any longer, my curls take too long to detangle. Plus because I am so active, I have to make sure I wash all that salty perspiration from my hair...which can lead to more drying and breakage.

However, there are some people who may be able to get away with washing their hair once a week...while others (with very oily hair) need to wash their hair every other day. A lot of hairstylists agree that you shouldn't be washing your hair everyday.  It strips your hair of its natural oils and even color if you've dyed your hair.

Here some questions that may help you figure out your washing frequency:

1.  What is your curl type?  Do you have wavy, loose, or tight curls?  Are your curls brittle, dry or oily? (The drier your hair, the less often you should wash your hair)

2.  Is your hair easy or hard to detangle?  Does your hair get harder to detangle if you decrease the frequency between washings?  (If your hair is hard to detangle, you may have to shorten the time between washings)

3.  Do you exercise often?  (Perspiration and curly hair don't mix.  It robs your curls of its natural moisture and shine)

4.  Is your hair prone to breakage and/or split ends? (If so, conditioning is key.  Take extra care in choosing the right products to CW your hair.)

 Remember, we're not talking about your traditional shampoo washing here.  We are talking CW...which is a lot less drying.  I hope this helps.  If anyone as any additional tips, feel free to share.

Curliecue Styles

There are some times when I just don't feel like wearing my hair out...when I want to switch some things up.  Like this morning, for example.  I fell asleep last night with a head band on my head. So this morning, my curls were ALL OVER THE PLACE.  So...today will be one of those days when I will be switching it up.  So I have several options to choose from:

1.  Wear another head band.  I like big band, loose head bands.  They are not as tight and less stressful on my head...so no headaches.

2.  Wear a high ponytail.  My little secret is that I use a shoelace instead of a ponytail holder to hold my hair up.  Yes, a shoelace :). It makes my pony tail loose and high.  It also gives the allusion that I have more hair than I have. :)

3.  Wear my afro puffs.  This is more of a casual look for me.  Its quick, easy and fun.  It also makes me look a lot younger than what I am! :)

Here's some pics of my different hairstyles.  If you have any cute pics and/or tips to share, please do!

Challenges of a Curliecue

One of my biggest challenges with having naturally curly hair is dryness.  I colored my hair a light shade of brown more than a year ago.  Although the color was very pretty, it's made my hair extra dry.  So...I DC my hair twice a week,  usually under a hooded dryer for at least 15 minutes.  

I also use LICs....they are a must for me.  My hair would be like straw without it.  A couple that I really like are:  Miss Jessies Rapid Recovery Treatment ($48-12oz)  and Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner ($10.99-80z).  Both products detangle and revive my curls and leave my hair feel soft as silk.  If you're pinching pennies, good old fashioned olive oil can do the trick as well. Sometimes I use olive and/or rosemary oil as a hair moisturizer between my washes.  You would be surprised to find that some of your best hair products can be found right in your kitchen or medicine cabinet.  That's another post....coming soon.

Stay tuned!

Second Day Curls

I don't know about you but my second day of curls are usually better than my first day.  My natural hair oils have set in, my curls are fuller and bigger.  But the key to great second day curls is FIRST day curls.  That why it's very important that your CHR is a good one.  Products are best absorbed in your hair when it's SOAKING WET.  Whether you use a LIC, an anti-frizz serum or a curling creme, make sure your hair is wet upon application.  You can use your fingers as a comb to evenly distribute the product through your hair.  While it's drying, remember to leave your hair alone...DON'T TOUCH IT (as stated in my earlier post).  That's the best way to eliminate frizz.  

When you go to bed at night, make sure you sleep on a satin pillowcase.  It reduces friction which can lead to hair breakage.  It also keeps your curls soft and supple, since cotton pillowcases tend to dry the hair.

If you follow these simple steps, first day curls can lead to great second day curls...and maybe even a third.  If you have any tips for great second day curliecues...feel free to post them.

My Mixed Chicks Results

Okay...here's my pic of my results after using Mixed Chicks.  I tell you.... I was very impressed!  My hair is very soft, shiny and has movement!  I got a lot of compliments all day long.  I used the shampoo, deep conditioner and the leave in...which also acts as a curling creme.  That's all...no gel, no frizz serum, NOTHING!  The cost was pretty reasonable as well.  I bought all three products for just $44.  You can find a retailer near you by visiting their website:  www.mixedchicks.net.

So..... what do you think?

Mixed Chicks??!?!

Okay, I have to be honest with you.  I'm not sure how I feel about the name "mixed chicks".

But after seeing a curliecue yesterday, I have to try this product.  I saw one of my girlfriends at a music festival with a head full of bouncing and behaving curls.  I immediately asked her what she used.  She said "Mixed Chicks".  She has been using their full line of products (shampoo, conditioner and leave in conditioner) for five months now and she swears by it.  Her curls were BEAUTIFUL.  They were full, soft, defined and shiny.  She got compliments on her hair all afternoon.  So being the curliecue detective that I am :), I logged on to the website (www.mixedchicks.net) today and was lucky enough to find a retailer close by. So...I am on my way right now to buy YET ANOTHER CURLIECUE hair product.  But, what the heck...it's what I do.  I am happy with my CHR, but who knows.  I will be trying this hair product tonight and will report on the results.

Stay tuned........

Want more curls and less frizz?

Okay, this may be hard for you to do...I know it is for me. But the best way to ensure frizz free curls is to KEEP YOUR HANDS OUT OF YOUR HAIR WHILE IT'S DRYING!  After your CHR, find something else to do while your hair dries.  Do some housework, log onto your laptop, talk on the phone.  Do anything but play in your hair. You must resist the temptation.  The more you touch your hair, the more likely you'll see frizz.

The one product that I absolutely LOVE is No Frizz Wave Shaping Curl Defining Creme for thick to coarse hair by Living Proof (http://livingproof.com/).

You can buy it online or at Sephora.  I apply it to my hair while it is soaking wet....and then I leave my hair ALONE!   It keeps my hair soft and my curls frizz free.  Believe me, I've gone through my share of hair products that promise frizz free hair and this is by far the BEST.  It's a little pricey ($24 for 4oz), but to me, it's well worth it.  

Tried and True

It's hard to venture out to try something new on your curly hair.  Especially if your old routine is currently working .  I went to visit one of my stylists (I have several) yesterday who recommended I try something new.  It's by MoroccanOil and its called Intense Curl Creme.  I was hesitant at first because my Miss Jessie's is working just fine, thank you.  :) I use MJ Rapid Recovery Treatment as a deep conditioner once a week.  It really helps to keep the moisture in my hair. Also, it acts like a curl creme for my hair because it keeps my curls full and plump between washes.  But, because I trust my stylist I decided to give it a try this morning.  I am very happy with the results...but to be quite honest, the results really don't look that much different.  But the one thing that was different was the price.  The MO was very expensive (more than $30).  So... not sure if I will buy it again.  Has anyone else use the MO Intense Curl Creme?  If so, I'd love to hear what you think.

My Curliecue Story

I have been natural going on four years now.I made the decision back in 2005.  Prior to that, I permed my hair about four times a year.  I've always been told that I should just do it..just go completely natural.  But at the time, I was a little curious (and scared) to see what my natural texture would look like.  Now, I LOVE IT !!! I didn't not do "The Big Chop", but instead I gradually grew out to my natural texture.  I love the versatility, the diversity and the freedom that natural hair gives me.  I don't have to run from my car to the house on rainy days for fear that my hair will "flop".  Humidity is now my friend and NOT my enemy.  I can work out and jog regularly without the worries of ruining my hair do.  Sometimes I do press my hair straight, mainly in the fall and winter months.  But for the most part I wear my hair foot loose and fancy free.  It was a transition that was a little challenging at first, but worth it in the end.  Almost every day, I get asked the question "What do you use in your hair ?".  I've gone through my share of hair products and spent a lot of money in the process.   Now, I want to share my experiences and knowledge with others.  Natural and curly hair should be embraced, not feared.  Maybe my story can help save you from frustration... and a little money along the way!

Here's some pics of me and my natural locks....  What do you think?

What is your curliecue story?

When it comes to having curly hair, no two days are alike.  One day, your curls could be plump and full.  The next day, they could be dry and lifeless. A lot of that depends on the products you use (or don't use), your technique, your hair condition and texture.  

This is where YOUcome in.  Share your Curliecue I.Q.-your solution to some of the challenges of having curly, wavy  or kinky hair.  I am looking for contributions in the following areas:

• Product Reviews
• Product Demos (feel free to provide a link to your YOUTUBE page)
• Curliecue Pics
• Salon Secrets

This blog is FOR curliecues, BY curliecues.  So the more information you can share, the better.

For more information, feel free to send an email to:  mail@curliecue.com.

Shani

Welcome to Curliecues!

So what exactly is a 'curliecue'?  Well, curliecues come in all shapes, textures, colors and sizes. You may have been born with curliecues...or may be transitioning into curliecues.  You may be African American or you may be White, Latino or Bi-racial.  After years of relaxing your hair, you may be now just realizing your curliecue texture.  Or after years of straightening your hair, you have finally realized that your curliecue texture is a beautiful thing that should be flaunted and not hidden.

Whether you have curls, kinks or waves, this blog is dedicated to you.  Here, you will find guidance, advice and most of all education on how to care for your culiecue textures.  Are you tired of wasting money on countless hair products only to find out that it's not suited to your specific hair type?  What promises curls for one may deliver kinks to another.  

I encourage curliecues from all over to share their stories here on this blog, both good and bad. Your trick maybe some else's treasure.   Your product review may help save someone else spend their money wisely. 

 Let's take this curliecue adventure together!