In picture Natural Hair Rules and Dickey of Hair Rules One of the most asked questions is about cutting natural hair. How to and how often should you trim your natural hair? Even the most experienced hair guru have conflicting views on this topic. There’s a rumor that clipping your ends or trimming your hair [...]
Some believe it is unnecessary to trim curly or natural hair. Many hair experts disagree. They will tell you clipping your ends is a part of regular maintenance for natural hair. It helps your hair stay healthy and grow faster and stronger. Below are signs/reasons to trim your hair. Why Trim Your Curls 1. Ends [...]
How to Follow the Curly Girl Method for Curly Hair
from wikiHow – The How to Manual That You Can Editfrizzy, uncontrollable hair? Do you spend an excessive amount of time blow drying and styling your hair? Does the weather tend to dictate your hair style and your mood? Say good-bye to the frizz and split ends and hello to soft, healthy curls! As Lorraine Massey says, “Blow-dry straight, you’re happy for a day; stay curly, you’re happy for life.” ![[LorraineMassey.jpg]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zN8g4K6kYbw/SXIzfcrLLWI/AAAAAAAAAVM/R9-FFZk5bxQ/s1600/LorraineMassey.jpg)
Photo Courtesy of No-Poo Jillipoo
Do you suffer from dry, damaged,
Steps
- Understand what the curly girl or no-poo method is. The curly girl method is based off a book of the same name, which was written by Lorraine Massey: “Say no to shampoo, unplug the dryer, and find your inner curl!” It includes not using a brush to avoid frizz and breakage. “No-poo” alludes to not using a sulfate shampoo, because it strips the hair of its natural oils. Many curlies decide to be modified CG and toe outside of the guidelines (e.g. using light silicones, straightening hair with a flat iron, clarifying with a sulfate free shampoo, etc.), because it works for them.
- Clarify with a sulfate shampoo before beginning. This will cleanse your hair of any silicones–ingredients in some hair products that are not water soluble (see the Warnings section below).
- Have your hair trimmed. This will get rid of any damage or split ends. If you don’t want to visit a hair salon you can always trim your own of course.
- Stop using a brush. It damages your hair whether it is wet or dry. It causes frizz and makes dry hair tangle. Use a wide-toothed comb instead, or even better, use your fingers. If it is difficult to untangle your hair this way, add more conditioner to your hair when wet or trim unruly ends. sham + poo =phony + poop
- Stop shampooing your hair. Most shampoos contain harsh, drying sulfates that are extremely damaging for curly hair (ammonium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, etc.). They make curly hair frizzy and uncooperative. Using conditioner in place of shampoo will cleanse the hair just as effectively without stripping it of moisture. Gentle shampoos that contain mild cleansers (i.e. cocamidopropyl betaine or coco betaine) can be used occasionally.
- “You’d never dream of washing a good sweater with detergent. Yet most shampoos contain harsh detergents (sodium lauryl sulfate or laureth sulfate) that one finds in dish washing liquid. They’re great for pots and pans because they cut grease so effectively. Your hair on the other hand, needs to retain some natural oils, which protect your hair and scalp. Stripping them away deprives the hair of necessary moisture and amino acids and makes it look dry and dull.” (LM)
- Give your hair time to adjust. It takes 2-4 weeks for your hair to adjust to the no shampoo. It may even look worse at first. Hair is a long-term project and it may take a couple weeks for it to regain its health after being stripped of moisture for years by shampoo.
- Wash your scalp with conditioner. Begin your routine by wetting your hair in the shower. Distribute conditioner on your entire scalp and massage your scalp with the tips of your fingers (not your fingernails). This will cleanse the scalp of any dirt and get rid of dandruff. (Be sure to avoid silicones in your hair products, see the Warnings.) Thoroughly rinse your scalp. Depending on how dry your scalp is, you can conditioner wash once or twice a week or every day.
- “The curly-haired can leave their hair hydrated with natural oils and clean their scalps quite well by rinsing only with hair conditioner once a week or less. Rubbing the scalp firmly with fingers is enough to loosen dirt.”(LM)
- Distribute conditioner throughout all of your hair and untangle gently. Use your hands or a wide-toothed comb. Start by untangling bottom sections of your hair and then gradually move upwards. Let the conditioner sit in your hair for five minutes or so for extra moisture. You also may want to part your hair at this point with a comb. Part your hair to the side to prevent “triangle-shaped” hair.
- Do the final rinse of your hair with cool or cold water. This will decrease frizz and add shine. Leave some conditioner in your hair, especially in dry sections like the ends. It is fine to run your fingers through your hair gently, but do not comb your hair after this point.
- Apply products to your hair. Do it while it is soaking wet if you have curlier hair, but wait five minutes or so if you have medium to wavy curly hair. Put product in your hands and rub them together to emulsify. Then, smooth or rake the product into your hair by sections. A common method is to begin with a leave-in cream or conditioner to decrease frizz and then follow with a gel for hold and definition. (Using your normal conditioner as a leave-in is fine too.[1]) However, use whatever type and order of products you like. Next, finger shape the curls by scrunching them (cup your hair in the palms of your hands and scrunch in an upward motion) and/or twisting individual curls around a finger.
- Gently scrunch your hair with a t-shirt, paper towels, or a micro-fiber towel to remove excess moisture, as a generic terrycloth towel will make your hair frizzy. You may wish to finger shape your curls at this time instead. Next, wait five or so minutes so the hair can permanently assume its current shape.
- Decrease the drying time of your hair by <a class="external text" href="http://www.naturallycurly.com/tips/to-plop-or-not-to-plop" title="http://www.naturallycurly.com/tips/to-plop
-or-not-to-plop
” rel=”nofollow”>plopping. Spread an old t-shirt or micro-fiber towel onto a flat surface (such as the toilet with seat down). Bend over at the waist and position your hair in the middle of the cloth. With your head touching the cloth, drape the back section of cloth over your head. Twist the sides until they form “sausage rolls” and clip or tie them at the base of your neck. After 15-30 minutes remove the cloth.[2] If your hair is frizzy after plopping lightly graze the hair with gel. A hair dryer with a bowl diffuser - Dry your hair. Air drying is the easiest and gentlest way to dry your hair. If you must blow dry your hair use a diffuser to avoid frizz. Only dry your hair partially (about 80% dry) and air-dry the rest of the way.[3] Do not touch your hair while it is drying or it will mess up and frizz. Both types of diffusers work well in terms of diffusing and decreasing frizz:
- A bowl diffuser with fingers causes more volume and clumping (curls sticking together instead of going every which way), is bulky and heavier, and will probably only fit on the hairdryer it comes with. Place a section of hair in the bowl and press the bowl to your head. Then turn on the “warm” setting of your blow dryer. Press the cool shot if your head gets too hot.[4]
- A sock diffuser is lightweight, fits on any hair dryer, and is portable. Aim the diffuser at different parts of your hair while you scrunch your hair with your hands. Stop scrunching when your hair is about 50% dry.[5] Not all hair dressers were created equal.
- Find an experienced <a class="external text" href="http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlsalons" title="http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlsalons” rel=”nofollow”>hairstylist. Ask him/her in advance if they are experienced in cutting curly hair and what products they are going to use on your hair. Unplanned haircuts can be disastrous for curly hair. If their products contain silicones insist on bringing your own. If your hairstylist uses a razor to thin out your hair it will make your ends ratty and prone to split ends. Remember, it takes a skilled hairdresser to successfully cut layers or other haircuts in curly hair.
- Have your hair trimmed every four to six months. A 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch trim is usually enough to get rid of split ends. Long, rounded layers are more suited to curly hair–short layers tend to stick up and look funny. Curly hair usually consists of a combination of textures, with the crown being the curliest part. For this reason it’s hard to tell what dry curly hair looks like when wet–consider having your hair cut dry. Also, take into account that curly hair is much shorter when dry than wet. You may lose only two inches while wet, but that could be four or five while dry!
- Consult the book. “Curly Girl – The Handbook A Celebration of Curls: How to cut them, care for them, love them, and set them free” by Lorraine Massey with Deborah Chiel has hair care recipes, tips and tricks, and stories about curlies, not to mention it’s very inspirational. Check your local library or bookstore, or consider ordering it online.
- !]]Show off your glamorous, beautiful curls! “Free your hair and the rest will follow.” (LM)
Things You’ll Need
- Curly hair
- Hair gel
- Leave-in cream
- Wide-toothed comb
- Old t-shirt, microfiber towel, or paper towels
- Blow dryer and diffuser (optional)
- “Curly Girl” by Lorraine Massey (optional)
Sources and Citations
- “Curly Girl – The Handbook A Celebration of Curls: How to cut them, care for them, love them, and set them free” by Lorraine Massey with Deborah Chiel
- <a class="external text" href="http://www.ylcf.org/gotcurl/" title="http://www.ylcf.org/gotcurl/” rel=”nofollow”>Got Curl? – A website based on the book
- <a class="external text" href="http://www.naturallycurly.com/" title="http://www.naturallycurly.com/” rel=”nofollow”>Curly forums and articles at naturallycurly.com
- <a class="external text" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=HtnLEHCQ8iA" title="http://youtube.com/watch?v=HtnLEHCQ8iA” rel=”nofollow”>Devacurl Video
- ↑ <a class="external free" href="http://livecurlylivefree.com/curl%20care.htm" title="http://livecurlylivefree.com/curl%20care.htm” rel=”nofollow”>http://livecurlylivefree.com/curl%20care.htm
- ↑ <a class="external free" href="http://www.naturallycurly.com/tips/to-plop-or-not-to-plop" title="http://www.naturallycurly.com/tips/to-plop-or-not-to-plop” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.naturallycurly.com/tips/to-plop-or-not-to-plop
- ↑ <a class="external free" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=cyyOypbTHI0" title="http://youtube.com/watch?v=cyyOypbTHI0” rel=”nofollow”>http://youtube.com/watch?v=cyyOypbTHI0
- ↑ <a class="external free" href="http://healthycurls.awardspace.com/drying.html" title="http://healthycurls.awardspace.com/drying.html” rel=”nofollow”>http://healthycurls.awardspace.com/drying.html
- ↑ <a class="external free" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=cyyOypbTHI0" title="http://youtube.com/watch?v=cyyOypbTHI0” rel=”nofollow”>http://youtube.com/watch?v=cyyOypbTHI0
- ↑ <a class="external free" href="http://www.naturallycurly.com/curly-q-a/whats-the-scoop-on-silicones" title="http://www.naturallycurly.com/curly-q-a/whats-the-scoop-on-silicones ” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.naturallycurly.com/curly-q-a/whats-the-scoop-on-silicones
- ↑ <a class="external free" href="http://www.naturallycurly.com/curl-products/ingredients-commonly-found-in-hair-care-products" title="http://www.naturallycurly.com/curl-products/ingredients-commonly-found-in-hair-care-products” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.naturallycurly.com/curl-products/ingredients-commonly-found-in-hair-care-products
- ↑ <a class="external free" href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/79245/what_causes_hair_loss.html" title="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/79245/what_causes_hair_loss.html” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/79245/what_causes_hair_loss.html
- ↑ <a class="external free" href="http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/tc/hair-loss-topic-overview" title="http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/tc/hair-loss-topic-overview” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/tc/hair-loss-topic-overview
Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Follow the Curly Girl Method for Curly Hair. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
10 Tips for Preventing One Strand Knots By: ManeandChic Trichonodosis also known as One Strand Knots, Single Strand Knots, Fairy Knots, Pixie Knots and Peppercorn Knots are one of the most annoying things about having naturally curly to kinky hair. I’ve rarely ever heard them referred to as endearing (and only if the person was [...]
Chris-Tia Donaldson – Author of Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair
Age (or age range): 30
Degrees: B.A. Economics, Harvard University; J.D. Harvard Law School
Industry: Law/Business
Title: Corporate Counsel
Website: www.thankgodimnatural.com
Blog: http://thankgodimnatural.wordpress.com
Questions
1. Based on your profession and corporate culture, what were your primary concerns about wearing natural hair in the workplace? How did you overcome them?
Many of you already know this, but after graduating from Harvard Law School, I was transitioning and wore a wig for over two years at my first law firm primarily to hide the fact that my hair was nappy. At the time, I felt like I had to look like the 21st century version of Claire Huxtable (complete with flowing hair) in order to be accepted by my white colleagues, gain better assignments, appease my clients, etc. In the end, I failed miserably when it came to pleasing others, and came very very very close to being let go from my first job. My preoccupation with my having “good hair” and my rejection of my inherent qualities as a black woman were largely part of my performance related issues. Today, I am a successful lawyer, thanks to embracing my true and natural self and abandoning mainstream notions of what it means to be beautiful.
I wrote Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Care for and Maintaining Natural Hair (click here for excerpt) because I wanted to help dispel some of the most common myths and misconceptions about kinky hair. Part of the reason it took me so long to let go of my relaxer is because I was so misinformed. Like so many black women, I thought I couldn’t wear my hair in its natural state, because my tresses looked nothing like Alicia Keys’ or Mariah Carey’s. When I came to the realization that I could go natural, I wanted to share all the information I learned about caring for my hair with others. I also wanted to let the ladies know that going natural would not put an end to their career, prevent them from getting a date, or require them to join the “movement”.
2. How did your co-workers, clients and boss respond when you revealed your new do?
My boss is worth more than $23 billion dollars (that’s more than Oprah’s and Tiger Woods’s net worth combined) and runs one of the largest enterprises in the world. At the end of the day, he could careless what my hair looks like. He’s more concerned about did we make our numbers and if we continue to be #1 in our industry.
3. Has your performance been rewarded since you’ve been natural? If not, do you believe your hair has been a factor? Any regrets?
It is such a refreshing feeling to come to work every day and feel like I can be myself and wear my own, natural hair — without thinking or worrying about how I would be perceived. At this juncture in my career, I wear my hair every which way (e.g. pulled back into a puff, braids, rod sets, a mini fro hawk or two strand twists). Strangely enough, the more I loved and accepted my natural hair, the more people applauded my work and complimented me. This sense of confidence and pride in my appearance had a profound effect on every aspect of my world. The quality of my work was praised and my performance has never been questioned (since I could now focus on what was really important, my work – and not my hair).
I began to realize that in the past, the only thing truly preventing me from being happy and fulfilling every aspect of my dream was merely my conception of myself. Once I realized that I didn’t need to keep buying into the unhealthy and consuming expectation of appearance, my own job performance started to thrive. Today, I don’t think twice about wearing my hair natural and have finally come to fully appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of my kinky mane. When I put on my favorite suit and walk into a client meeting, I know it doesn’t matter how I wear my hair. My opinions will be respected and heard. My relationships with my colleagues, both black and white, have never been better. And, strangely enough, some of our most interesting conversations have been about the uniqueness and beauty of black hair.
4. What advice would you offer a professional peer who’s on the fence about going natural?
As black women, it’s time for us to come to grips with the fact that America has created an unattainable beauty standard for us. We would be far better off if we started believing in ourselves and embracing the blessings that make us unique as a people. I would also point out that the first black woman CEO of a Fortune 500 Company, Ursula Burns, is also natural. So, I hope today, whether you’re natural, lock’d or in the midst of transitioning, you’ll join me in saying THANK GOD I’M NATURAL!
5. Tell us about the book
Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair is a must-read for any black woman who has suffered hair loss or breakage caused by relaxers — or has grown tired of spending thousands of dollars and her Saturday afternoons frying her kinky tresses into submission. While there is no shortage of information on this topic to be found on the Internet, Thank God I’m Natural is the most comprehensive natural hair guide on the market today, and the book black women need now more than ever before. You can pick up a copy of the book at Barnes & Noble or your local black bookstore. You can also order a copy online at Amazon.com or a signed copy at www.thankgodimnatural.com, where we will be offering free shipping on all orders from now until Ne w Years.
Thank God I’m Natural makes the perfect Xmas gift for that special woman in your life—regardless of whether she’s natural, lock’d, in transition, or has no intention of ever giving up her relaxer. Surprise your mom, daughter, or best friend with an autographed copy of the book with a personalized inscription that reads “Dear XXX, Always stay natural. You’re beautiful just the way you are.”
