Softsheen-Carson Dark & Lovely recently launched the Au Naturale line specifically for natural styles. The Au Naturale Anti-Shrinkage maintenance and styling line is infused with mango oil and bamboo milk to provide all-day hydration, elongation, definition and nourishment for all curl types. The Au Naturale line includes a Hydrating Soak Shampoo, Knot-Out Conditioner, Curl Defining Crème Glaze, Coil Moisturizing Soufflé, Sheen Sealing Nectar and 10-IN-1 Styles Gelee, which contain no drying alcohols, mineral oil petrolatum or parabens.
NaturallyCurly sat down with Softsheen-Carson educator and natural hair afficionado Mezei Jefferson to talk texture.
We wanted to know
NC: When did you begin to see more women transitioning to natural hair?
Jefferson: I began to see more women go natural about six years ago in Chicago. More women — including my own sisters — were becoming more concerned about chemicals damaging their hair, and started to wait longer and longer between relaxers. At the time no one knew they were transitioning. It just happened.
NC: What are your biggest tips for women thinking of making the transition?
Jefferson: Make sure to keep your ends trimmed at least every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition often. Also, after about three to four months of transitioning, start to use less heat and stop straightening your hair. Straightening and excessive heat can cause protein loss and can cause your natural curl pattern to lose definition.
NC: What are some of the hottest natural hair styles?
Jefferson: The current hottest natural trends are twist outs. They are easy to do at home and look amazing. I’m also seeing a lot of braid outs and flat twist outs to create nice waves and corkscrew effects.
NC: Tell me about the new Au Naturale line and what makes it unique?
Jefferson: The Au Naturale line is amazing and has a full line of products for natural hair. All of the products contain mango oil and bamboo milk for an anti-shrinkage recipe to give your curls and coils all day elongation. We have a curl product for all curls and coils.
NC: What is your favorite product in the Au Naturale line?
Jefferson: My favorite product in the line is the Coil Moisturizing Soufflé. It is for tightly curled to coiled hair, and provides moisture to hair without stickiness or weighing hair down.
