Tag: curly countdown

Curly kids countdown: Shanton and Gea

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Today I do my first curly kids feature!!! (Not counting Aidikins)

If you ever wondered what the point of these features and the curly countdowns were…the answer is simple:

I love natural curls but I also know that it can be a pain to maintain. With all the different hair types, curl patterns and new products coming out every day you are never quite sure if you are doing things correctly. So I thought if I could feature enough people with different hair types, curl patterns and routines,other curlies could hopefully find their match and that should make things a little easier.

I’ve also had friends with straight hair, who have curly kids, ask me to feature some curly kids so they can get some tips…

ALSO I’m nosey and I love looking at nice curls and asking people random questions.

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All about “the big chop” with Des

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Before and After

My awesome brainiac of a  cousin Desthea “Des” has recently decided to embrace the curl and cut off all her hair.

Des is really great, we get along like a house on fire. She is part mechatronics student, part paint/sketch artist, part photographer and completely crazy, which makes her even cooler 🙂
I chatted to her about what the big chop meant to her.

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Our kiddies curly hair routine

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I often get asked what I do with Aidan’s hair, what the “trick” is with it.

The trick is, his dad has wavy hair his mom has a fro and he got stuck in the middle with a curly fro.

The great thing about Aidan and his hair is that he loves it. Growing up I don’t know many boskop/bushy haired kids that actually liked their hair but he does. He calls it big hair and isn’t very pleased come hair cut day.

I try to keep it trimmed but he is only two (well going on three) so who cares really…he doesn’t have morning inspection so I just let him have a boskop.

This is how I treat it (keep in mind these things are done under protest because: “leave my hair mommy”)

–          Treatment:

I have a mix of coconut oil and olive oil that I use on my own hair, on days his hair is dry I put it on his hair before a bath otherwise it acts as a quick shine serum

–          Cleansing

I believe in cowashing curly hair and only use shampoo on my own hair when there is real build up. Aidan loves sandpits and rolling around outside, his cousin also loves rubbing things in his hair so it gets dirty quicker. I make my own cleansing cowash by mixing let’s say a tablespoon of tresemme naturals conditioner with half a teaspoon of organics kids 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner. I tried it once because I was afraid the 2 in 1 would dry out his hair and I haven’t looked back.

–         Styling

Aidan doesn’t care for styling much. He actually just won’t let me touch his hair much. But when I do,  I use a small amount of Aunty Jackie ‘ s curly custard. To wake up his curls (I don’t wash every day) I sprits with water and a dab of Aunty Jackie. A bit of my oil mix adds shine.

Curly Countdown with Simóne Human

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Today’s curly girl and I have often been mistaken for sisters (probably because we are both short and have big hair) and I don’t mind one bit. She’s stunning! talented and has the type of spirit that makes you automatically comfortable in her presence. Here are her tips and tricks for curly locks.

5 random facts about you or your hair 
  1. I did not always love my curls. 
I spent an inordinate amount of time since I was a teen trying to coax my curls into submission with an arsenal of straightening irons, serums and relaxers. It is only after turning 30 that the self-acceptance on the whole came (including my truce with my hair). I now am fully appreciative of them. 
  1. When I wear my hair natural it doubles in size from wet to dry, leaving me with an afro that easily resembles Diana Ross’. 
  1. I get my regular trim of my ends from my mum. (Love my Warrior Woman Mum!) 
  1. My curl pattern is somewhere between spiral curl and wave. 
  1. I hate washing my hair! (Lol) Always have since I was small. I think it has something to do with the combing out of kinks. 

4 products or activities you can’t live without 
  1. Aunt Jacky curly custard. This stuff stuff is seriously the bomb diggity. I cannot live without  it. It leaves my curls moisturised, shiny, soft and defined.
  1. L’oreal Extraordinary Oil shampoo and conditioner. 
This range is specifically formulated for dry hair and leaves my hair smelling wonderful and feeling soft. 
  1. Kair Strengthening Silicon Serum. 
  1. My mum’s regular trims (roughly every 6 weeks). 
Not only do they get rid of dry ends but it’s a proper bonding session. I can’t get enough of those now that I’m married and no longer live with my parents. 


3 tips for other curly girls 
  1. Skip the brushing. 
Use your fingers for a natural finish that won’t break the curl. 
  1. Stop fighting your natural hair. 
You’re beautiful as God made you and that includes your crowning glory. Yes, even on the days when your hair is acting like a petulant 2-year-old and just won’t do what it’s told. 
  1. Satin pillow = no ‘swirlkous’. I’ve worn a stocking with satin fibres in it for years but a satin pillowcase is so much more comfortable and you don’t have a wake up regularly through the night to readjust it on your head. 

2 misconceptions about curly hair 
  1. People always assume that I ‘did something’ to make it curl. No love, it’s called ‘just add water’. No miracle potion. 
  1. That curly hair doesn’t shrink. You bet your barnacles it does! 


Curly countdown with Robyn Thomas

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I’m super excited to share today’s curly countdown with you!!! Robyn Thomas from bewhole is another blogger who first attracted me with her hair – I sound so shallow #sorrynotsorry – I stumbled across her instagram feed and she became an instant hair crush.  I then read her blog and realised that she is super cool so DO CHECK HER OUT,she is all about travel, wellness and is slightly book obsessed (like most of the people closest to my heart) links at the bottom

5 random facts about you and your hair

1. I transitioned into my natural hair

I decided to gradually transition into my natural hair because I was afraid that my hair would be too short if I immediately had a big chop and I’m not too fond of super short hairstyles for myself. The transitioning period was quite stressful. When you’re transitioning, your hair is two distinct textures and it’s quite difficult to style if you’re not simply tying it into a bun. Cutting away my treated ends was such a relief and extremely liberating. I can’t believe that it’s already been two years.

2. I’m a recovering product junkie

Once I’d realised how much moisture my natural hair was craving, I bought everything in sight to hydrate it – that was a big mistake. I wasted so much money on curl creams and conditioners, and now I have a cupboard full of half-used products at home.  When you’re trying a new product you have it give it at least a month to take effect. Since my hair is more ‘coily’ and gets dry really quickly I needed something that could work quickly.

3. My hair is a mixture of type 4 A and B 
I don’t place too much focus on my hair type because my natural hair has two difference textures. I have a mixture of waves, front and back tight curls and looser curls around my crown. It’s helpful to know what your hair type is so that you can further research suitable products, hair care methods and even styles, but not place placing more focus on your research than observing what your hair agrees with.

4. Youtube sensation, Naptual85 is my go-to natural hair guru
Youtube is where I find all my hair inspiration.  Sadly, in South Africa, there is very little support for women with natural hair. More and more women are going natural but I have yet to see a salon devoted to natural hair in Cape Town.

5. Regular trims
All naturals, especially women with type 4 hair, dread having our hair cut.  My hair shrinks a lot so I usually avoid having to trim for as long as possible.  I get my hair cut by stylist, fellow natural, and owner of Coiffure Ezra. I trust Ezra to cut my hair because she is not only professional, she is a natural herself.

4 products or activities you can’t live without

1. Lush American Cream Conditioner
By far the most moisture-rich conditioner I’ve come across (and there have been a lot). It’s a bit pricey (depending on how much conditioner you use) but definitely worth it.

2. Lush Curly Wurly Shampoo
My hair smells amazing when I use this product. It’s packed with chunks of coconut which acts as a bit of an exfoliator for the scalp. I love it.

3. Olive Oil
Olive oil does for my hair what coconut oil seems to be doing for everyone else. I buy extra virgin olive oil (for cooking) and use this as a moisturiser for my wash & go. I usually apply a small amount while my hair is still damp and then also have a mixture of water and olive oil in a spray bottle to lightly spritz my hair every day.

4. Protective styling with twist braids
Braids are my saving grace for when I’m having a busy month or travelling. I love getting chunky havana twist braids (aka marley braids) done because they’re not too tight or damaging to my hair. They don’t last as long as the three-strand braid but I also just think the twist suits me better than the three-strand braid.

3 Tips for other curly curls

1. Stop combing your hair
There’s no need for a comb unless it’s a wide-tooth afro comb to create volume. I always finger detangle my hair after applying conditioner. Finger detangling reduces breakage, it reduces frizz, and it promotes curl definition. 

2.Get yourself a satin sleep cap
The satin Sleep Cap has been such a game-changer for me. I wear it to bed at night or even when I’m just lounging around the house with my head rested. My ‘wash and go’ lasts for four days this way – on the fourth day I usually rock an upstyle.

3. Co-wash
If you have a similar hair type to mine, you’ll appreciate the introduction to co-washing. Washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. It works. I wash my hair with shampoo every second week, and co-wash in between.

2 misconceptions about curly/afro/natural hair

1. Our hair doesn’t grow quickly
My hair grows really quickly. People are always asking if I’ve cut my hair because my curls have maximum shrinkage. I haven’t done a length check in a while but my hair should be just a bit longer than shoulder length. 

2. It’s low maintenance
Having natural hair doesn’t mean that your hair care routine will become low maintenance. I set aside 2 hours on the day I wash my hair, to ensure that my products are getting their full use and that my hair is treated correctly.

1. CURLY PIC


social media links: 
www.instagram.com/bwhole
www.twitter.com/bewholeza
www.facebook.com/bewhole

website
www.bewhole.co.za

Curly countdown with Ashleigh

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Today’s curly countdown comes courtesy of someone I met through her hair…
Allow me to elaborate – Ashleigh is a virtual assistant who blogs over at Dalasini  she was being interviewed on mental health on a site I stumbled across and although the article really struck a cord with me due to my own battles with mental health all I could think was DAT HAIR DOE! (because I think like a 16 year old rapper) But seriously I loved her hair and immediately followed her on all her social media channels because I’m a legit stalker 🙂

Ashleigh has been kind enough to do a curly countdown post (in here witty Ashleigh style) for us so here goes 🙂

5 random facts about you and your hair

– I’m an entrepreneur. I work from home {which is not always cool because in most families this translates as “She can do all the cooking and cleaning because she is home”. One day I told my gran I couldn’t do what she asked me to at the time because I was working. Her response, “What work?”}  In other news, if you need a virtual assistant to take some tasks off your hands, please get in touch.

– I must be doing something wrong because my hair is breaking a lot around the front. Resulting in lots of fly-aways or frizzies across my forehead. It actually reminds me of primary school when all I wanted was sleek hair and all my hair wanted was to mince!

– I’m secretly worried that I will look back at my upcoming wedding day and think that it was not all I wanted or dreamed of. Of course, I know things will be perfect and beautiful, no matter what we don’t think of or have to get rid of so that we celebrate within our means.

– I’m not entirely sure of my hair type and I am not sure that I want to know. I think I’m a 3 something though. Given my personality, I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to sweat the small stuff when it comes to maintaining healthy hair. Although I am benefiting richly from all the information out there, I think that hair typing and other bits and bobs within our natural circles, break us down instead of building us up.

– I want to own a coffee shop and tea parlour one day. A friend asked her followers to share their travel goals for the year, and after doing so I felt so inspired and positive. Although people say you shouldn’t share your deepest dreams with everyone, I’m taking a small step of faith by mentioning it in this segment.

4 products or activities you can’t live without

– I’m not sure if you’re talking about hair products and activities, so I will take my chances here and say that I can’t live without spending time with God, and praying. I need to do more of this in the new year and I’m really thankful for how the Lord has carried me so far.

Now for the products:

– Afrobotanics Conditioning Moisturiser – This is my go-to styling product which you can use to detangle and style your hair after washing out your regular conditioner.

– Silk Bonnet – I only got one recently from Silk Helmet Lady after searching high and low (Clicks has them) for one which fit over my head and did not squash my hair. It’s amazing! My curls have a bit of longevity when I use the bonnet at bedtime. I find that it decreases knotting and keeps my curls defined and soft.

– A shower – bending over a basin is for the birds! Though I like to see that I’m doing a proper job of clarifying my hair with shampoo or ACV {the dirty water collecting in the basin is usually a good marker}, detangling or co-washing in the shower is so convenient. Since water restrictions are being implemented now curlies, I would recommend detangling your hair before your shower and using your shower time to wash/rinse your hair so you don’t spend 30 – 40 mins in there. But like I said, showers are great. We’re going to be hunting for our first apartment soon and it’s a requirement that we have a shower in the bathroom. Hehe.

3 Tips for other curly girls

– Do you! Everyone’s hair is different, even if it looks or feels the same. There’s no telling how your hair will respond to someone else’s routine, so create your own and be open to the fact that what is recommended to you by another curly girl, may not work for you, and that’s okay.

– Keep your routine simple. I love my hair. But there are weeks when I really don’t feel like washing or styling my mane. Try to combine steps and refrain from using all your products in one wash.

– Towards the end of last year, I ran out of styling products. My hair was dry and hated me for it. I often say that I don’t have the finances to lead an exorbitant haircare regime. If you follow my first and second tip, it should be easier to budget for the things you really need. And yes girl, for the life of your hair, you will have to part with some money for the essentials. Save yourself the crispy ends and accept that it’s needed just like your other toiletries.

2 misconceptions about curly hair

– Earlier I said that I try not to be strict on hair typing. One of the reasons I do so is because of the hierarchy it creates. I’ve seen quite a few of my fellow naturals comment that those of us with a looser curl pattern have it easy – almost insinuating that the only struggle, is a kinky struggle. Honey, my hair breaks, it shrinks, it does exactly what it wants to even if I manipulate it Monday through Sunday. We’ve all got our issues, there should be no rank.

– As a curly girl, one of the common questions I get is”

HOW DO YOU GET YOUR HAIR LIKE THAT?

Babies, let’s please just respond and say,

IT GROWS THIS WAY.

– When your hair is in its natural state, it grows the way it was fashioned especially for you. Even though I do twists outs, knot outs, braid outs, roller sets and other things to create different hairstyles, it must be said that we can’t make our hair do anything if we’re interested in sporting our natural crown. As curlies, we need to educate others about the idea of healthy hair and give them a better image of what hair can be prior to or without chemical products. As curlies, we need to understand and love OUR hair so that we don’t try to emulate another curly girl so much so that we think our hair is like hers even when it’s not. That’s when we start using the wrong products, and achieving less with our hair than we could if we just stick to our natural thread.

1 Awesome curly pic