Claire Aviles

For curly girls, frizzy hair is just a part of life. Our products promise to keep our curls frizz-free and the websites that we use give us dozens of tips to combat frizz. We’re usually more concerned about frizz through the hair shaft and at the ends of our curls, but what about frizz at the roots? It’s especially important to take note of frizzy roots in the winter, since the cold weather can be even more damaging to our hair.

Tame Frizzy Roots

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Check for damage

If you’re experiencing more frizz than usual, particularly at the roots, your hair is probably damaged. Buy a shampoo specially formulated for “dry” or “damaged” hair. When you’re using the shampoo, gently massage the scalp — scrubbing at the roots will disrupt the curl pattern and cause more frizz.

MORE: Restoring Dry and Damaged Curly Hair

Try using a gel

For type 3 girls with thicker hair, a gel can make all the difference. Gels are a little heavier making them perfect for all-day wear.

MORE: How to Apply Hair Gel

Second day hair

Take advantage of the cold weather — you can always disguise your second-day hair with a braided style, a warm hat, or a headband. The natural oils that your scalp creates are great for fighting frizzy roots.

MORE: Curly Hair Tips for Great Second-Day Curls

Try a two-strand twist

Check out Wavy Beginner’s Guide: Two-Strand Twist for Volume & Curl for a great style that will help you get volume at the roots without frizz. Begin when your hair is still damp and twist the section of your hair with the most root frizz.

MORE: How to Make Small Two-Strand Twists

Avoid hairspray

Hairspray is meant to control flyaways and keep your hair in place, but the high alcohol content in most hairsprays can actually enhance frizz. Instead of using a hairspray, try Curly Hair Solutions Tweek, a hairspray in the form of a cream. It’s a great product and it doesn’t contain drying alcohol.

MORE: Best Hairsprays for Every Style

Don’t touch your hair!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: hands off! It’s always tempting to smooth down that one stray hair, but you’re only going to make the problem worse. Touching your hair causes friction and breaks your natural curl pattern.

If you must fix your curls, use a styling solution. Rub it between your palms and then glide your palms over the surface of your hair to smooth down frizz at your roots and elsewhere. Don’t scrunch if your hair is already dry!

MORE: Hand in Hair Syndrome Doesn’t Just Cause Frizz

What about you? How do you tame frizzy roots?

As the weather becomes increasingly “wintery,” it’s important to care for your hair properly. Between the frigid, dry air outside and the heated indoor air, your curls could be taking a real beating and rapidly drying out! One easy way to combat this problem? Second-day hair!

The natural oils from your scalp are great for your curls in the winter — don’t shampoo too often, or you’ll strip your hair of its natural moisture. Instead, rock your second-day hair with the following tips.

Second-Day Hair

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1. Break Out the Headbands!

Grab your favorite jeweled headband or headwrap. They are perfect for disguising oily hair, especially if you’re a blonde! Light hair tends to look darker (and therefore dirtier) at the part where natural oils build up, but headbands hide your part.

MORE: Quick & Easy Natural Hairstyles for Headbands

2. Try an Elaborate Updo

Second-day hair is usually more cooperative when it comes to styling. Take advantage of that and experiment with the latest hairstyle that you found on Pinterest!

MORE: Vintage Updo Hair Makeover

3. Pineapple Your Hair

For second-day hair that is still full and lively, use this method developed by the wonderful NaturallyCurly.com community! Simply use a scrunchie to tie your hair into a high ponytail before you go to sleep.

MORE: How to Pineapple Your Hair

4. Refresh Your Curls with Conditioner

Instead of completely redoing your hair, try a spray-on conditioner like Aubrey Organics Sea Buckthorn Leave-In Conditioner. You can also simply mix one tablespoon of your favorite conditioner and water in a spray bottle. Spray-on conditioner is great to use in between shampoos.

MORE: How to Use Leave-In Conditioner

5. Use a Dry Shampoo

If your hair gets oily and limp quickly, dry shampoo could be a better option. It helps to absorb oil and add volume back to your curls. Dry shampoo will help to absorb oil and add volume back to your curls. Check out Hair Rules Volumizing Dry Shampoo or Pssssst Instant Dry Shampoo for Wavy or Curly Hair.

MORE: Curly Hair Care: Dry Shampoos

Don’t be trapped in a ponytail rut! Try these tips and share your own by commenting below.

I thought I had my hair care regimen all figured out when I came to work at NaturallyCurly. But after three weeks in the office, I had tried over a dozen different products and I was regularly changing up my regimen, trying to find one that worked for me. Here are a few of my favorite products for fine, wavy hair.

MORE: Choosing Hair Products for Fine, Wavy Hair

For Fine, Wavy Hair

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Favorite Shampoo

Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo

This low-lather shampoo is gentle and nonabrasive, which makes it great for my fine, wavy hair. It removes buildup and enhances my natural curls without stripping them of moisture. I typically pair it with Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner, which can be used as a daily conditioner or a leave-in conditioner.

MORE: 10 Tips for Fine Curly Hair

Favorite Conditioner

Jessicurl Aloeba Daily Conditioner

This is one of the best conditioners that I have used. It’s a bit pricy for my college-student budget, but it works wonders on my hair, and the eight ounce bottle lasts a long time. The Aloeba Daily Conditioner provides moisture to my curls without weighing them down. If you have fine, wavy hair, I would definitely recommend trying this conditioner for a little extra oomph!

MORE: How to Find Your Hair Porosity & Density

Favorite Styler

Garnier Fructis Style Curl Calm Down Anti-Frizz Cream

I always stand by Garnier Fructis products and this anti-frizz cream is no different. It smells great and gives me defined curls without the crunch! The shea is also great for moisturizing.

MORE: What’s Your Hair Width?

Favorite Touch-Up Product

Curly Hair Solutions Tweek

This “hairspray in a cream form” is a great touch-up product, especially if you’re rocking second-day hair. It redefines my curls and adds moisture, leaving my hair refreshed, frizz-free and super shiny! Tweek also holds surprisingly well throughout the day and smells great.

MORE: Top 10 Tips for Fine-Haired Curlies

Favorite Overall Brand

Jessicurl

My current hair care regimen consists of all Jessicurl products. I use the Gentle Lather Shampoo, Aloeba Daily Conditioner and Confident Coils Styling Solution. I have never found a brand more suited to my curl type. Although they cost more than I would usually be willing to spend, I splurge because they make all the difference!

MORE: Styling Waves with Paul Mitchell Curls

Do you have fine, wavy hair? What are your favorite products?

If you’re like me, now that October is gone, you’ve been hitting the snooze button every morning for a good month. That doesn’t mean that your look has to suffer! Now you’ll never have to feel guilty about taking those ten extra minutes of beauty sleep with these tips to help you speed up your morning routine.

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1. Stay organized!

If your products aren’t organized, you will be spending precious time simply looking for your comb, tweezers, or mascara wand. Keep your everyday items in a separate makeup bag so they are easily accessible.

MORE: Makeup Bag Makeover: Is it Time For Yours?

2. Combat puffy eyes

To combat puffy eyes, moisten tea bags with cold water and lay them on your eyes for five minutes. The cold should reduce puffiness and the tea bags will make your skin look tighter.

MORE: Old-Fashioned Natural Beauty Tips That Work

3. Dry your hair faster

Invest in a microfiber towel to remove excess water from your hair and reduce frizz. Then apply a styling cream and allow your hair to dry further while you apply your makeup.

MORE: How to Dry Curly Hair

4. Freeze your tweezers

Before you jump in the shower, pop your tweezers in the freezer. For less irritation, it’s best to pluck your eyebrows after you get out of the shower. The cold will help reduce any redness you may experience.

MORE: How to Tame Curly Eyebrows

5. Say goodbye to multistep skin prep!

Instead of applying moisturizer and liquid foundation separately, blend the two in your hand and then apply them evenly over your skin, or simply buy a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. You can use a second layer on discolored areas. Finally, apply a loose powder to set your makeup.

MORE: The Truth About Natural and Organic Beauty Products

6. Skip the eyeshadow

If you’re in a serious rush, focus on eyeliner and mascara. I like to apply a little ChapStick to my eyelids on the way out the door — it’s moisturizing and it keeps my eyes looking bright!

MORE: How to Get “Doe Eyes”

7. Invest in multipurpose makeup

Several brands now make products that can be used as lip color, blush and even eyeshadow, (check out NARS The Multiple and Stila Convertible Color). Multipurpose makeup is a great time-saver, and it will take up less space in your makeup bag!

MORE: Makeup Primers: Do You Need These?

Have any other time-saving tips? Be sure to share them in the comments section!

Braids are a great hairstyle for the fall. It can be hard to keep curls in check once the wind sets in, and braiding is a great way to combat frizz while preserving your curls. There’s a braid for every occasion and every personal style. They’re also perfect for everything from intramural sports and second-day hair to date nights and fall weddings.

The following braids tend to be best for type 2 hair, but other curlies can benefit from them as well! Try starting to braid when your hair is still damp for a little more control.

If you’re looking for even more inspiration, look to the likes of Kerry Walsh and Misty Mae, Katniss Everdeen and other leading ladies of the red carpet for ideas!

Braided Curls

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The French Braid

Is your curly hair layered? The French braid is great for incorporating and organizing all your different hair lengths. And if you have shorter hair, the French braid might work for you! Because you start the braid near the crown of the head, not as much length is needed to complete it.

Gather a small section of your hair near the crown of the head and begin braiding. As you approach the nape of your neck, gradually add more hair to each of the three sections as they cross into the center of the braid.

This sleek, sophisticated braid will keep your hair out of your face all day. For variations on the classic, start with a side part or French braid a small section and leave the rest of your curls loose.

MORE: French Braids for Curly Hair

The Fishtail Braid

It may look elaborate, but the fishtail braid is actually great for beginners! It’s great for long hair, especially on rushed, second-day hair mornings. Simply divide your hair into two sections, parting it down the middle. Pull a thin strand from the outside of one section and add it to the other, pulling it under the rest of the section. Continue to do this, switching between the two sections, until you reach the bottom of the braid.

Using skinnier strands will make the fishtail braid look more intricate. To dress it up, find a few cute hair accessories or weave a thin ribbon into your braid.

MORE: Get Felicity Jones’ Curly Hair Fishtail Braid

The Half-Up Braid

This is another great braid for curlies with short hair. Begin by pulling a small section of hair from above your ear. Then braid the section into an English braid. Do the same thing on the other side of your head, and pin the two braids together. Leave the rest of your hair loose and wavy.

MORE: Get Jill Scott’s Half-Braided Look

The Braided Ponytail

There are many different ways to rock a braided ponytail. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Start with a French braid and braid it until the nape of your neck. Secure the braid with a hair elastic and leave your ponytail loose.
• Slick your hair back into a tight ponytail. Then braid the ponytail into a fishtail braid, an English braid, or an Edwardian braid.
• Try a simple side braid and let it weave into your ponytail.

I hope these braids provide you with a little inspiration!

MORE: Braid Hairstyle Gallery

They promise to make your curls silky smooth and smelling great. But are the chemicals in your hair products causing more harm than good? Unfortunately for some people, the answer is yes. Even if you don’t have a specific chemical allergy, the chemicals in shampoos, conditioners, styling serums, etc. can be irritating to the sensitive skin on your scalp. Symptoms can start almost immediately, and since hair products have direct contact with skin, you could end up with a full-blown itchy, flaky scalp.

The good news? You can still get great hair without the irritation!

MORE: Hair Product Ingredients: Who Do You Trust?

1. Fragrance

Fragrance is added to many hair products, and as consumers, we don’t always know what type of chemicals are being used. Even “fragrance-free” or “unscented” products sometimes use extra chemicals to neutralize smell.

2. Preservatives and antibacterials

Preservatives and antibacterials may increase your shampoo’s shelf-life and keep out unwanted bacteria, but they can also be damaging to the skin on your scalp.

3. Formulation excipients

Formulation excipients are inactive ingredients that are often used to dissolve or dilute an active ingredient. They help to thicken, color, or lubricate your hair products.

4. Surfactants

Cocamidopropyl betaine, paraphenylenediamine and glycerol thioglycolate are common in hair products. Cocamidopropyl betaine, for example, is a surfactant, and is used as an antistatic agent in hair conditioners. These chemicals are also found in hair dyes.

MORE: Top 10 Ingredients of Natural Hair Products

You Can Still Have Great Hair!

Here are a few things to look for in a new hair product. And remember, it’s all about experimentation! If the first product you try doesn’t work for you, try, try again.

1. Is it really fragrance-free? If you’re looking for a fragrance-free product, remember to read ingredient labels. Watch out for added “masking” chemicals.
2. Look for “hypoallergenic” products. Hypoallergenic products claim to cause fewer allergic reactions. If you simply have sensitive skin and not a specific allergy, this might do the trick.
3. All-natural products are a curly girl’s best friends. There are so many products out there with all-natural ingredients. You’re bound to find one that works for you!
4. Do-it-yourself. If you can’t find anything that gives you beautiful curls and solves your allergy problem, check out our Curl Recipes! Homemade products are a great way to ensure that you know exactly what ingredients are being used.

MORE: Top 5 Do-It-Yourself Hair Products

“I did it just a couple of days ago,” Natalie Portman said of her new blonde hair. “My mom says I’m like a different person.”

Portman debuted her lighter locks this past weekend when she joined her husband, ballet dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied, for the inaugural performance of his L.A. Dance Project at Walt Disney Concert Hall. She reportedly made the change for an upcoming movie role, although she wouldn’t reveal further details.

It’s not the first time we’ve seen Natalie Portman as a blonde — she donned a honey-blonde wig for her 2004 role in “Closer” — and she’s certainly not one to shy away from drastic makeovers. Her most memorable look? A shaved head for her role as Evey in “V for Vendetta.” “I was really excited to get to shave my head — it’s something I’d wanted to do for a while and now I had a good excuse,” Portman told USA Today. “It was nice to shed that level of vanity.”

Thinking of going from brunette to blonde? Here are a few tips to help you make the transition as flawlessly as Natalie Portman:

1. If you’ve never colored your hair, try lightening in stages. Start with highlights around your face and get used to having lighter hair. If you decide that going blonde isn’t for you, it won’t be too late to turn back.
2. Determine your natural shade. If you decide to go blonde all at once, like Portman, make sure that you start by going 3-4 shades lighter than your natural shade.
3. Don’t forget to moisturize! Dying your hair lighter is generally more damaging than dying it darker, so be sure to deep condition regularly.
4. Be ready for the upkeep. Don’t go all-over blonde unless you have the time and money to go into the salon about once per month. If you’re not ready for that commitment, go for highlights or a more “broken up” blonde.

Love it? Hate it? Tell us what you think of Natalie Portman’s new blonde ‘do. 

Your hair is one of the first things people notice about you, so use it to your advantage! The wrong hair color can make you look washed out, and a bad haircut can make you look dated, even when paired with the most up-to-date makeup and fashion trends.

As a curly girl, you already have a head start. Women with curly, textured hair tend to look younger than straight-haired counterparts as they age. Because of the natural volume that comes with having curly hair, thinning is less noticeable. Consider your frizz and volume to be a blessing in disguise!

Are you looking for a new young, fresh look for fall? Before heading to the salon, read the following tips. And as always, remember to talk to your stylist before making any changes!

1. Leave the angular, asymmetrical bob to Rihanna. This look is hard to pull off in the first place, and the extreme angles will only highlight any fine lines on your face. If you want to go short and emphasize your great bone structure, lean towards a style with face-framing layers and softer edges.
2. Skip the blunt bangs. They often look too severe. Instead, try a side-swept, piecey bang that hits right below your brow. The result? A softer look that will draw attention to your eyes.
3. Keep it loose. Tight updos, while polished, tend to look rigid and make you look older. Substitute the ballerina bun for a low chignon and tease your roots or leave a few strands around your face. Keep it strategically messy.
4. Try a few strategically placed highlights. If you’re tired of your monotone color, add some depth with highlights around your face. You can maintain a sun-kissed, youthful glow all year long!
5. Experiment with a new part. Sometimes, it’s just that simple.

If you’re stuck in a rut, step out of your comfort zone and try a new look! There are tons of new trends out there — just remember to stick to one that suits your lifestyle and age.

What do you do to maintain a young-at-heart fresh look?

Ready for the latest celebrity big chop? This past Tuesday, September 4, brought yet another dramatic celebrity makeover. Country singer and American Idol alum, Kellie Pickler, shaved her blonde locks, tweeting, “It’s been a great life-changing day.”

Pickler’s new look isn’t a cry for help, per Britney Spears’ 2007 buzz. She isn’t preparing for a movie role, nor is she looking for a drastic, Miley-esque change. The singer chose to sport a peach fuzz hairdo in solidarity with her childhood friend, Summer Miller, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in June. Miller, age thirty-five, has already undergone a double mastectomy and will begin chemotherapy today.

The video she released to “Good Morning America” shows the two friends sitting side-by-side, having their hair buzzed off together. Miller had decided to shave her head before chemo, explaining, “I was told that it was mentally much easier to do it this way than to wake up with my hair on my pillow… I’m really not that apprehensive about shaving my head. It is hair and it will grow back.”

Makeover for a Cause

Kellie Pickler and her friend are trying to raise awareness for the importance of early detection, which is often the difference between an early-stage tumor and a fatal tumor. Because Miller’s family had a history of breast cancer, she was cautious about self-examinations and asked her doctor about a mammogram. Luckily, her tumor was discovered at an early stage. She will undergo chemotherapy to ensure that the tumor doesn’t return.

“Cancer does not discriminate,” said Pickler. “If this compels even one person to change their mentality toward waiting until the age of forty for their mammogram, then it will be worth it,” Summer Miller finished, encouraging viewers to take charge of their health.

Kellie Pickler’s courage and loyalty is an inspiration to all of us here in the NaturallyCurly community and we think she looks just as fabulous with her new ‘do. Much love to her and her best friend Summer Miller, as she goes through another round of treatment.