Category:

Beauty

curly hair at the pool

5 Ways to Protect Curly Hair from the Pool

by Rochelle

Ready to hit the pool? Not so fast curl friends. Even though we are at the peak of summer, you may want to think twice before diving in. Your hair will need a little T.L.C. pre and post-swim so you may want to try these 5 ways to protect curly hair from the pool.

How to Protect Curly Hair from Chlorine

Chlorine is a chemical that is used to sanitize pool water to make it safe for swimming. While it does a great job cleaning the water it’s not ideal for hair. It drys and damages the hair, stripping it of its natural oils. In some cases, it can change the hair color.

women on a MacBook
Track Curly Hair Products With This FREE Printable!
Introducing the Curly Hair Product Tracker, a printable to document how each and every one of your products works on your curls.

Protecting the hair is key but it’s even more important with curls because our hair is already dry. Here are a few helpful options.

1. Swim Cap for Curls

If keeping your head below water is part of your pool time, then investing in a swimming cap should be on your list. The average cap fits the head well and keeps the water off the hair. However, newer versions create more space for curly hair and Locs. Check out this option from Amazon.

woman swimming in the pool
2. Rinse the Hair Before Entering

If you are not one for swim caps, consider rinsing your hair before jumping into the pool. By taking this tiny step, you are letting your hair absorb non-chlorinated water first which protects the hair.

3. Pre-Treat Curls with Oils

Using oil on curly hair before the dip is another form of protection. Oils seal and protect the hair from exposure to chlorine and the elements. My personal favorites to use are coconut, olive, and grapeseed oil.

protect curly hair at the pool

After-Care Post Swim

4. Rinse Curls After Swimming

Yes, you heard that right. Not only is it a good idea to rinse your hair before entering the water but after as well. This is especially necessary if you don’t plan to shower immediately. Rinsing the curls post-swim will prevent the hair from further damage, drying out, and frizz.

woman washing her hair
5. Clarify and Condition

Removing chlorine and buildup from the hair after swimming is beyond important. Not all shampoos are effective at removing it all, so look out for ones that are gentle on curls like Ouidad’s Waterworks Clarifying Shampoo or Kinky-Curly Come Clean.

It’s even more crucial to use a deep conditioner to restore hydration in your curls. Opt for a moisture-rich formula like the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque.

With these 5 tips, pool day doesn’t have to be the end all be all for your curls. You can enjoy the summer stress-free knowing that your hair won’t be frizzy and dry after a swim. What are some of your favorite curly hair tips for the pool? Share with the community down below in the comments.

0 comment
3 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Wavy Braid Out Hairstyle

Mother’s Day Brunch Hairstyle on Fine, Curly Hair

by Rochelle

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and it’s a wonderful reminder of how far I’ve come as the mother of 2 boys. They are a huge blessing and have brought me many memories. For this Mother’s Day, I’m looking forward to brunch and I wanted to create a cute braid out style to wear out. I recently cut my hair into a bob and wanted to share how I created an easy Mother’s Day brunch hairstyle on my fine, curly hair.

How to Create this Mother’s Day Brunch Hairstyle

For this braid out, I like to start on dry hair. Then, I begin by combing out my curls to make sure there are no tangles. Next, it’s important to establish how you would like your hair to fall. I chose a deep side part so I section the hair from the arch of my eyebrow to the back of my ear.

Then I take the back half of my hair and place it into a ponytail. With the front section, I add a small pump of my Jane Carter Solutions Wrap & Roll foam to it. Then, I smooth a small amount of Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic on that same section. This just ensures that there is plenty of hold.

Now it’s time to begin cornrows. The size of your sections will determine if you will have loose or tight waves. I chose to make mine smaller this time around. Cornrows use a similar technique to what some call Dutch braids but there tends to be more than one row of braids.

mothers day brunch hairstyle

Braid Out Tips for Success

In a nutshell, you begin with a regular braid, then add new outside sections to your braid. You take one outside section, cross it under the middle section, and repeat on the opposite end. This process repeats until you can’t grab any more outside sections and finishes off with a regular braid

After completing the first row, the next step is to make another section and repeat the entire process. Once I’ve completed all of my cornrows, I add a perm rod to each end. This ensures that there’s a little bend on the ends when you take your braids down. Then, I wrap my hair in a silk or satin scarf and go to bed.

Styling the Braid Out

The next morning, I take down my scarf and smooth a little bit of oil on my hands. Then, I begin unraveling the braids. This helps my waves look super shiny for this style. After all the braids are taken down, I shake gently underneath to loosen up the pattern.

The end result is a chic, wavy bob that can be worn just like it is or with hair accessories. It’s the perfect easy hairstyle for all occasions that will be sure to turn heads. Let me know if you are feeling this hairstyle by sharing it down below in the comments.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
image of sustainable beauty products

3 Sustainable Beauty Brands to try this Earth Month

by Rochelle

As Earth Month comes to an end, I thought I’d discuss 3 sustainable beauty brands to try. I got the idea after completing my spring cleaning and reorganizing my beauty products. Noticeably, the majority of my products packaging stated that they were sourced from recycled items. It’s a small phrase that got me thinking about how I can continue making more sustainable beauty purchases. Here’s a few of my faves.

Alaffia

Alaffia is a black-owned and founded hair and skin care company. Their efforts to give back to the earth include several projects such as the Reforestation Empowerment Project and Regenerative Agriculture Program. Outside of these efforts they focus on eco-friendly packaging. For instance, products such as the  Authentic African Black Soap and the Africa’s Secret Multi-Use Balm are made in packaging that is recyclable and 100% PCR PET. Further, they are sourced from local Washington vendors.

Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap sustainable beauty brands

My go to skin care product from them is the Authentic African Black Soap. it’s an all-in-one that can be used as a body wash, facial cleanser, shampoo, hand wash, and for shaving. I love that it cuts back on the amount of packaging you have in your shower keeping it clutter-free.

Aveda

Aveda’s principles for sustainability cover a broad area including their 100% vegan formulas, 100% wind power to manufacture products, and partial solar to power their manufacturing facilities. Plus, they try to use recycled plastics for their packaging if possible.

One product to check out from their best sellers is the be curly™ Curl Enhancer styling cream. This cream adds moisture, shine, definition, and also fights frizz. Most importantly, it’s also free from parabens, mineral Oil, petrolatum, formaldehyde & synthetic fragrance.

sustainable beauty products

The Body Shop

The Body Shop is a long time favorite brand of mine that has been a pioneer for women-owned brands. Their focus on empowering women & girls, having a community fair trade program, and using vegan & vegetarian products has proven to show leadership to future brands.

One of their superstar products (in my opinion) for curly hair is the Banana Nourishing Hair Mask. It’s made with vegan ingredients and designed for normal to dry hair. I haven’t used many beauty products with banana (outside of my experiment with a DIY banana baby food hair mask ) but its delicious fragrance is incredible and keeps the hair nourished, feeling soft and shiny.

What are some of your favorite sustainable beauty brands? Share with the community down below in the comments.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

2 Beauty Brands I’m Loving for International Women’s Month

by Rochelle

As we come to the end of March, I thought I’d celebrate International Women’s Month by sharing 2 beauty brands I’m loving right now. These brands will be broken down into skin and haircare and include my favorite items from each one. Plus, I’ll give you the scoop on why we celebrate women this month.

What is International Women’s Month

International Women’s Month happens during the month of March to focus on the achievements and bring awareness to the struggles women face around the world. Although the whole month is dedicated to women, March 8th is the date that is celebrated.

Nyakio

Nyakio Grieco is a black American beauty entrepreneur and the founder of Nyakio skincare. With her Kenyan descent, her inspiration comes from both her maternal and paternal grandparents, a coffee farmer and medicine man.

Their influence and traditions helped her develop this clean beauty collection of skin care products that are globally sourced. With so many superstar items, it’s hard to narrow it down but one of my personal favorites is the Nyakio Sweet Almond Cleansing Oil Balm.

Nyakio sweet almond cleansing oil balm International Women's Month product spotlight

This rich balm cleanser transform to a silky oil to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities. It’s gentle formula glides easily onto the skin making makeup removal easy and rinses clean to reveal radiant skin.

Image of briogeo and nyakio beauty products for international women's month

Briogeo

One of my favorite black-owned hair brands is Briogeo. Nancy Twine is the CEO & Founder of Briogeo, a brand that offers a variety of hair care products that address many concerns. Initially, I was drawn to the Curl Charisma line that has an amazing leave-in and gel, the Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-in Defining Crème and Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Quinoa Frizz Control Gel. Ultimately, the Scalp Revival line has been a major part of my recurring purchases.

With my focus on scalp care for 2021, the entire Scalp Revival line has been a life saver. The Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo ranks #1 in my eyes as the best exfoliating shampoo out. It uses Binchotan charcoal, vegetable-derived microexfoliants, peppermint, spearmint, & tea tree essential oils, and coconut oil to detoxify, exfoliate, soothe, and balance the scalp.

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo-International Women's Day product spotlight

My scalp and hair always feels so clean and yet not drying at all. The formula is safe for color and chemically treated hair and free of harsh sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, DEA, and artificial dyes.

What beauty brands are your favorites during International Women’s Month? Share with the community down below in the comments.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Must Have Michael Todd Beauty Tools

My Must Have Michael Todd Beauty Skin Care Tools

by Rochelle

As we enter 2021, many people might consider a reset of their diets, fitness, and certain habits. Personally, I enjoy resetting my skin by giving it some extra loving care. Skin care products are great on their own but the added benefits of devices can truly brighten and tighten. Here are some of my must have Michael Todd Beauty skin care tools.

Michael Todd Beauty Sonic Refresher

This skin care tool is the world’s first wet/dry sonic microdermabrasion & pore extraction system. My skin is on the sensitive side so I only use it with the mister that keeps my skin hydrated.

It claims to rejuvenate the complexion and give the skin a more youthful glow using diamond encrusted tips, their sonic technology, vacuum suction, and micronized misting.

michael todd beauty skin care devices

Inside each box you’ll receive:

  • Sonic Refresher Tool
  • 3 Diamond Microdermabrasion Treatment Heads (1 Coarse, 1 Fine & 1 Small Fine)
  • 3 Pore Extraction Tips (1 Small, 1 Round & 1 Oval)
  • Built-in LCD: Control & Battery Indicator Screen
  • Built-in Micronized Mister
  • 30 Disposable Filters
  • Wireless Charging/Storage Cradle
  • USB Charging Cable

I have yet to use the vacuum suction feature, mainly because blackheads aren’t my main concern. The immediate result that I noticed are an improvement in the texture of my skin. Plus, it instantly feels softer and my skin care products apply much better.

With longer use it can help improve fine lines and an uneven skin tone. My skin does get a little red after but looks better by the morning. I usually do this in the evening and use a hydrating moisturizer that works well for sensitive skin after. (Cetaphil moisturizing lotion is my go to.)

Michael Todd Soniclear Elite

Out of the two mentioned, this is the one I buy first. The Soniclear Elite Patented Face & Body Antimicrobial Sonic Skin Cleansing System is a 4-in-1 device cleanses the face and body, massages and infuses serums. It works SO much better than your hands.

Inside each box you will find a:

  • Soniclear Elite Device
  • Wireless charging cradle
  • Charging Cord with wall adapter
  • Antimicrobial face brush (for all skin types)
  • Antimicrobial body brush
  • Hard shell travel case
  • Firming massage treatment head
  • FREE sensitive face brush

After just one use, I noticed how well it exfoliated, brightened, and improved my skins texture. These results were instant.

With longer term use, participants of a clinical trial reported reductions & improvements in pore congestion, an improvement in the look of their skins firmness and elasticity, and a reduction in the appearance of their fine lines and wrinkles.

My ultimate goals for 2021 are to expand my skin care tool collection. Using them is definitely an upgrade from my normal skin care routine. Luckily, Michael Todd Beauty keeps adding new items every year including their newest device, the Sonic Sculpt to help lift, firm, and plump.

What are some of your favorite Michael Todd Beauty devices? Share below in the comments.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Holiday Curly Hairstyle

Holiday Curly Hairstyle for Busy Moms

by Rochelle

This shop has been compensated by Inmar Intelligence and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.  #ILookGoody

This year I’ll be celebrating the holidays quietly and with my immediate household. Between my husband and two hungry toddlers, the food preparation won’t leave me with a lot of time to get ready. Fortunately, I’ve mastered the art of getting ready quick and I thought I’d share an easy, holiday curly hairstyle for busy moms.

What You’ll Need…

  • Goody® SlideProof Claw Clips
  • Goody® SlideProof Bobby Pins
  • Spray Bottle with Water or Leave-In Conditioner
  • Edge Control or Pomade
  • Edge Control Brush
  • Smoothing Brush
  • Comb

Before creating this hairstyle, I needed to make sure that I had all of my hair tools and accessories. Unfortunately, I still needed a few items so I continued my search on Walmart.com. I’m a big fan of Walmart because it is affordable, family-friendly, and offers in-store pick up (great for busy moms!).

I was pumped to see that Goody® accessories have a brand new look that is full or energy and creativity.

With my fine, curly hair I’ve always felt confident using Goody® because their products are inclusive and work on every hair type and texture. Plus, using them inspires me to use creativity and show off my self-expression.

Holiday Curly Hairstyle Instructions

This hairstyle works perfectly on hair that hasn’t been washed for a couple days so no need to waste extra time in the shower.

DiscoCurls holding her sectioned curly hair

Start by adding a side part that goes back 2-3 inches from your forehead. Continue that part horizontally towards your ear. Section off and secure the front half using Goody® SlideProof Claw Clips. These work on all hair types, have an amazing grip, and don’t budge for all-day stay.

Holiday Curly Hairstyle

Next, use a spray bottle with water (or your favorite leave-in conditioner) and spray around the perimeter of the back section. Then, use a brush to smooth curls up into a high ponytail. Secure the high ponytail with an elastic.

Split the ponytail into two sections and complete a two-strand twist on each one. Continue twisting each section into a bun.

DiscoCurls holding Goody® SlideProof Bobby Pins
CLICK TO SHOP

My hair texture does a pretty good job holding up a bun but with one wild dance move, this could come apart. Luckily, a simple accessory like Goody® SlideProof Bobby Pins helps secure my updo and gives me confidence that my style will stay put.

Moving onto the front section, remove the Goody® SlideProof Claw Clip and create 2 rows of 5 small sections. For each section, add edge control around the base and use an edge control brush to smooth away any frizz. Then, complete a two-strand twist. Repeat until all sections are twisted.

Holiday Curly Hairstyle

Lastly, place twists strategically along the hairline with the ends twisted towards the base of your bun. When you’re ready to secure your style, insert Goody SlideProof Bobby Pins with the wavy side facing down. The comfort tip on these also ensures pain free styles.

Curly updo with bobby pin

This holiday curly hairstyle is elegant plus, it will keep your hair up and out of the way while you prepare your holiday meals. For busy moms that don’t have time to wash their hair, this is an easy option that still looks glamorous. #ILookGoody

What holiday hairstyles will you be trying this season? Share with the community below!

0 comment
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Last Minute Halloween Ideas for Curly Hair

Last Minute Halloween Ideas for Curly Hair

by Rochelle

With only about a week left until Halloween, many undecided costume ideas may be floating around. If you want to incorporate your curls, there are still tons of last minute halloween ideas for curly hair available. Here are just a few options.

curly ventriloquist puppet costume last minute halloween ideas for curly hair
Photo: Rocio @risasrizos

Curly Ventriloquist Puppet

An easier last minute halloween idea is a curly ventriloquist puppet. All you need is makeup and your curls. To create this look Rocio (@risasrizos) did heavier eye makeup and an intense highlight and contour to look puppet-like. Brown eyeshadow helped create the wood grain effect.

Curly pineapple costume, Fineapple last minute halloween ideas for curly hair
Photo: Brandi @brandirell

“Fineapple”

Curly girl Brandi (@brandirell) got creative with her costume by transforming into a “Fineapple”. In addition to her yellow and brown makeup, she used a green hair color spray for her pineapple. To keep your pineapple extra fluffy, be sure to use a volumizing hair product.

image of halloween ideas for curly hair
Tree of life curly halloween costume last minute halloween ideas for curly hair
Photo: Rochelle Masella @discocurls

Tree of Life

You may need more than a day to prepare for this Halloween idea but it is pretty simple to achieve. Use a green afro wig as your base, a hot glue gun, then use it to attach faux multicolored leaves to the wig. Bonus points if you add a birds nest! All brown clothing will finish the look.

curly mermaid halloween costume last minute halloween ideas for curly hair
Photo: Rocio @risasrizos

Curly Mermaid

More last minute halloween ideas for curly hair include a curly mermaid and sea witch. These Halloween looks will bring your aquatic dreams to life.

The mermaids beautiful turquoise shades make the eyes and lips pop but the real magic happens when you use a stockings to create fish-like scales. Lastly, blue & green hair chalk is used to compliment the makeup.

curly sea witch halloween costume
Photo: Jeanna @jeanna_80

Curly Sea Witch

‘Under the Sea’ you may find this curly sea witch searching for a mermaid. This amazing recreation done by Jeanna (@jeanna_80) managed to still incorporate her naturally curly hair. Outside from her amazing makeup skills and colored contacts, her curls were piled up into a high ponytail and sprayed with white hair color.

What are some of your last minute Halloween ideas for curls? Share with the community below.

0 comment
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
women on a MacBook

Track Curly Hair Products With This FREE Printable!

by Rochelle

If you are anything like me, then you may have a collection of unused and half-used curly hair products. I think the proper name for it is product- junkie. We try numerous shampoos, conditioners, curl creams, and gels hoping to find that perfect product and end up with a basket under the sink. Worst of all, we forget what we liked or disliked about them.

Luckily, there is a solution for this and it’s FREE! Introducing the Curly Hair Product Tracker, a printable to document how each and every one of your products works on your curls. No need to to try to remember what it did for your hair because you already wrote down all the details.

Sign up for your FREE Curly Hair Product Tracker

* indicates required

Keep track of how long you’ve had the product opened, how your curls felt after using the product, if it’s Curly Girl Method (CGM) approved, and any product combinations that worked with that product.

If you are looking for a more in-depth way to track your curly hair habits, there is another option. The Curly Hair Tracker is a printable PDF journal that will help document your curly hair routine and concerns. It is designed to bring self-awareness and encourage you to become your own hair detective when it comes to matters of what works for your curls. It can also allow you to pinpoint why you may be experiencing changes to your hair and if necessary, provide documentation to share with your hair care professional or physician.  

After completing the Curly Hair Tracker, you will have dated documents to reference any changes within your curly hair routine, your health, the products you use, and their common ingredients.

GET THE CURLY HAIR TRACKER ON ETSY!

So what are you waiting for?! Take charge of your curls by doing your own detective work.

0 comment
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
image of hand washing

Try These Hand Creams for Frequently Washed Hands

by Rochelle

With the state of the world today, washing your hands to practice good hygiene is a top priority. Personally, my hands have never been drier and it’s been a challenge to keep them hydrated. I’m sure I’m not alone, so I created a list of my favorite hand creams for frequently washed hands.

Affordable Hand Creams

Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream 

With claims that it lasts through hand washing and moisturizes for 24 hours, I find this to be one of the best affordable options. The Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream uses colloidal oatmeal (finely-ground oatmeal commonly used to soothe and protect the skin among other things), to help heal and protect your dry skin.

My sensitive skin enjoys the fragrance-free and steroid-free formula. Plus, it’s non-greasy and fast absorbing.

Nubian Heritage Raw Shea Butter Hand Cream

Currently on my computer desk is the Nubian Heritage Raw Shea Butter Hand Cream. It’s been a lifesaver for my hands in between typing and caring for the kids. It’s made with a nutrient-rich formula that contains raw shea butter, soy milk, vitamin E, Frankincense and Myrrh.

Anytime I use this age-defying cream, it feels rich and not greasy. It helps the deep lines on on my hands appear smoother after each use.

image of hand washing

Luxury Hand Cream Options

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

One of my long-time favorites is the L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream. It’s made with 20% shea butter, coconut oil, honey, and marshmallow root extracts, and heals my cracked knuckles instantly.

Despite it feeling more like a balm, it absorbs well into my skin. I try to purchase the Shea Butter Hand Cream Trio set to always have a restock for my purse.

AHAVA Dead Sea Mineral Hand Creams

This luxurious hand cream (and my personal favorite) uses a formula made with the Dead Sea water and witch hazel. With 21 essential minerals and AHAVA’s signature mineral catalyst, Osmoter, my hands feel deeply hydrated, not sticky, and the moisture is locked-in.

The Cactus & Pink Pepper and Sea-Kissed scents offer different fragrance options to cater to your preferences. I tend to go with the original fragrance which smells sweet and nutty.

This is on the pricier side but I seem to repurchase it time after time.

Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil

Calling this just a hand cream wouldn’t do it justice. Josie Maran’s Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil is more multipurpose and offers intense, long-term hydration using a cream-to-oil formula.

Included in this formula is argan oil, vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids. With the consistency more true to a salve, it does leave the skin a bit on the greasy side. Still, my hands feel luminous and smooth.

Some of the most common areas it hydrates include:

  • Chapped hands
  • Dry lips
  • Dry cuticles
  • Elbow and knees

One of my favorite ways to use it was as a mixing medium for makeup to create cream formulas.

What are some of your favorite hand creams for frequently washed hands? Share with the community down below in the comments.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts
Close