Hair Diaries: Transition + Tumblr

I recently decided to transition from relaxed hair to natural. I found that I needed constant inspiration to continue on with my goal so I created a Tumblr. It's simply my open diary of images, music and sometimes short written words about my transition. It is really personal to me. I will make a follow up 'Hair Diary' post about my transition shortly, let me know if you want one :)

If you enjoy beautiful hair, go take a look & don't be shy to follow.

CuriousCurls

xo.

Hair Diaries: Heat Free Styling

The Hairy Truth

To keep hair healthy it is best to keep manipulation minimal. This includes excessive heat, from blow drying, flat ironing, curling etc. For me this is the hardest thing to do. The amount of styles you can create with  heat tools are endless. So when it comes to heat-less styling creativity comes in. Heat dries out hair and causes unnecessary breakage and split -ends. I try to only use heat on my hair once a month.

Hair Me Out 

There are many way to add curls and get your hair straight without using heat. The process is longer and it will not be exactly the same as using heat tools, but its pretty darn close.

I LOVE big hair. Big curly hair? Even better. No heat? I'm beyond chuffed! Here is how I achieve it all.

Basics: The initial foundation of all these styles is a Bantu-Knot Out. I part my hair in 4 sections and Bantu-knot each one over night. A bantu knot is formed by twisting the hair and wrapping it around itself as you twist, forming the knot. Secure the loose end with a bobby-pin. I personally do not apply any product to my hair, because I want body and movement.

Zoolander!

The next morning I let them down and switch my part to a side part. After a little whipping my hair back and forth and finger combing I get this look:

TIP: The smaller your bantu-knots the tighter your curls.


STYLEone:

Big Curls. The bigger the better, fluff it up as much as your like! To maintain this specific look, re do your bantu knots each night, so the curls keep their form.

Style Side Note:  

You can create a great messy summer up-do. Which I did but didn't picture. Gather the back of your hair and secure with bobby-pins or spin pins, and leave out your side swept bang. Don't bother being neat when gathering the back, in my opinion it looks best a little messy.

STYLEtwo:

 As the days pass your curls will fall. This style is great for days 2 or 3. Pinning one side of you hair to the side and letting the curls fall is an effortless look.

STYLEthree:

The last style is the fishtail braid that is getting quite popular. Again, I enjoy messy hair, so the braid is not neat and the curls add texture. By this day the curls are not pronounced so it a great time to stretch the hairstyle out for one last day.

What other heat free styles do you guys enjoy?

xo.

Hair Diaries: Protein & Moisture Balance

The Hairy Truth

To keep hair healthy it is essential to maintain a moisture and protein balance. Sounds a bit odd, I know. Each strand of hair is composed of protein bundles which can be broken and manipulated through chemical treatments such as relaxers or simply straightening or curling your hair. Lack of protein creates breakage but so does excessive protein. Hair also needs moisture to stay healthy and just like protein levels, excessive moisture can also cause breakage. Healthy hair has a balance of both moisture and protein.

Without getting scientific read on...

Hair Me Out 

To have healthy hair your strands need to be replenished with protein. To balance out protein your tresses also need moisture to prevent dryness. 

To add protein or moisture back into your hair you can use a protein or moisturizing conditioner, shampoo, moisturizer or spray-leave-in. Some of my favorite products include:

Protein: Motions CPR Treatment Conditioner, Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor Treatment, Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Reconstructurizer Spray

Moisture: Aussie 3-Minute Miracle Conditioner, Hairtrition Color Protect Leave-In, One 'N Only Argan Oil Restorative Mask, Curl Junkie Beauticurls Leave-in Hair Conditioner

TIP: Hair with proper protein levels maintain moisture levels better, which = BALANCE :)

But you ask, HOW do you know whether you need a protein or moisture treatment. If you are experience breakage majority of the time protein is needed. To be more accurate, conduct a strand test on wet hair. 

When you hair is wet, take a shedded strand from the root and pull on it from both ends. 

1) If the hair breaks immediately and is usually dry and brittle when not wet, you need a moisture treatment.

2) If your hair stretches and breaks, or stretches excessively you need a protein treatment.

note: You hair should have some elasticity, but should not stay stretched out when pulled on, it should revert.

How does you hair feel today, do you need moisture or protein? Leave me any questions below!

xo.