This Could be Us..... But it's Not

The internet has a way of making everything look great. Social media timelines are filled with perfect celebrations, perfect pictures, and What seems like perfect lives. Well, I live in the real world, and Today I'm not feeling pretty. In fact, I am feeling quite ugly. I thought about slapping on a head wrap, or slicking my kinks into a bun. As I reached for the gel, I realised how I felt, could not be fixed with a handful of gel or a colourful scarf. Bad hair days are inevitable, but negative feelings can be overcome. I share my top "pick me ups" for mind hair and soul.

4 Brands of Gel Natural Girls Can Use

4 Brands of Gel 4c Natural Girls Can Use

Let’s face it, there are so many gels and styling products on the market, it can be hard to know just what is good and what is bad for your hair. Not all products that claim to be good for your hair, will give you the hold, and performance you need. Kinky, tightly coiled hair can be a pain to  lay down. Here are a few brands of gel that not only keep kinky hair looking sleek, they  keep my curls defined. My preferred gels are extra sticky, and goopy. Applying the sticky gels to wet hair is easiest. However, I apply gel on damp hair if I am looking to minimize shrinkage, and have the most defined look. I use gel on wet hair to get the sleekest bun. Using gel on wet hair, usually gives me a shrunken puff, as the curls are not that defined.  I notice my hair shrinks more when the gel is applied to dripping wet hair. No matter the look Im going for, these gels leave my hair happy!

Tips For Curly Swimmers

Sun! Sand! Surf! Summer is quickly approaching. As the temperatures rise,  many are flocking to the beach to catch some sun, or catch a few waves.  As you soak up the sun, and splash in the waves, be sure to take a few precautions to ensure your hair and skin remains healthy all year long.

Sun

From the moment you step outside, the sun’s UV Rays are attacking your hair and skin. Wear a hat to provide coverage from the direct heat of the sun. There are so many cute styles, from stylish fedoras, to  big floppy brim hats.

Work Out & Save Your Hairstyle!

Curly Girls Guide to Sweat / Swim Proof Hair

Just because your hair is on point, doesn't mean your work out routine has to suffer. Weather your rocking a fluffy fro, a twistout, braidout, or press.  Keep Reading for tips to keep your hair intact while working out.

TWA’s

Be sure to moisturize the hair well. Dry hair tends to suck in moisture. The better moisturized your strands the less sweat your hair will take in. Co- wash when necessary to remove any buildup.

Braidouts/Twistouts/Bantu Knots/ Curly Fro's

Pull your hair into a high, taught pineapple. If you have more length, pull you hair into a double bun, to maintain your stretched style. This allow you to avoid bunching your ends into 1 large bun. Another option is a twisted bun. Wrap a breathable scarf around the style & hit the gym with no worries.

Stretched/Pressed hair:

Wrap your hair as tight as you can around your head. Take your time, and make sure the hair is securely wrapped before putting on a silk scarf. Make sure the scarf is snugly. Use Nourishing oils (not moisturizers)  as you  unwrap your hair post workout.  Make sure the hair is completely dry, and cool before removing the scarf.

Flat Twist

Spray your flat twists with a water based moisturizer, and wrap the style in a breathable silk scarf.

Swimmers

For many curly girls, fitting your crowning glory into a swing cap is a tall order. I highly recommend swimming caps. If a swimming cap is not an option follow these easy steps

       1. Corn Braid hair using ample amounts of a  thick leave in conditioner

       2. Completely Soak your braids with water  BEFORE hitting the pool or beach

This prevents your strands from absorbing the chlorine

The most important tips:

Do Not Remove the silk scarf until you are completely cooled. Do not remove the scarf until your hair is completely dry. Do not remove the braids after swimming until they are completely dry, be sure to follow any swimming with a 30min deep conditioner, and a ACV rinse to close the cuticle & remove any build up on your strands. Follow these easy tips and you’ll be looking great and feeling great from head to toe!