Do-It-Yourself

Best of the Web: How to Wrap Straight Hair

2012-07-26T21:20:30Z

Key Tip: Start wrapping from the top crown area for the smoothest results

Channel: Type F

How to Protect Your Hair While Swimming

2012-05-31T05:41:50Z

You don't have to limit your pool time for your hair, but you do have to take some extra precautions. Chlorinated water and constant friction from swimming will take a toll on coils and curls. Spend a few minutes before and after swimming to help your hair survive the summer.

Key Tips

If possible, rinse your hair with tap water before you get in the pool.
Don't wear a swim cap if it pulls too tightly or rips out your hair at the hairline.
Always shampoo after you swim, chlorine does not rinse out.

Step 1: If possible, rinse your hair in the shower before getting in the pool. If your hair is "filled up" with tap water it won't be able to absorb as much chlorinated pool water.

If your hair is "filled up" with tap water it won't be able to absorb as much chlorinated pool water. There's usually a shower right near the pool that you can use to rinse your hair before and after diving in.

Step 2: Apply a thorough coating of a hair serum to your dripping wet hair, paying special attention to the ends. The serum will help protect your hair from friction while your swim. Choose an inexpensive serum like John Frieda Frizz-Ease Original Serum, $7.50.

Step 3: (Optional) Put on a swim cap. Many swim caps are so tight that they pull your hair out when you take them on and off. Try a Speedo Silicone Swim Cap, $7.99. If a swim cap causes you to lose hair, don't use it. Just let your strands hang free instead.

Step 4: After you swim, rinse your hair with tap water again. It's best to wear a hat if you plan to stay in the sun after you exit the pool.

Step 5: Always shampoo your hair after you're done swimming for the day. It's important to use a shampoo that gets rid of chlorine and mineral build up. If your regular shampoo contains EDTA or Phytic Acid it will provide thorough enough cleansing. If your regular shampoo doesn't contain EDTA or Phytic Acid, buy UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo, $15.21 for a pack of 4 ($4.99 each MSRP) for pool days.

Step 6: Continue with your usual shampoo and condition routine. You must take the time to condition your hair every time you shampoo it, even if you swim every day.

Step 7: When you style your hair it would be best to avoid direct or high heat. Try to limit your use of heat to a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment or a bonnet dryer on low.

How to CoWash

2012-05-30T20:47:34Z

Cowashing means "washing" your hair with conditioner. It's a way to refresh your hair when you don't have time to do your full shampoo and condition routine.

Key Tips

Start by rinsing your hair with lukewarm water for about 3 minutes.
Co-washing is not effective enough to be your only method of cleansing. Use shampoo to cleanse your hair and scalp at least once a week.
If your scalp becomes flaky or itchy, co-washing is not right for your hair.

Step 1: Start by gently combing through your hair with your fingers so that it's free of knots and tangles. Apply a little conditioner or oil to areas that are difficult to comb.

Step 2: Once in the shower, rinse your hair with lukewarm water for 3-5 minutes. This long rinse will loosen up dirt and residue which is especially important since you won't be using shampoo.

Step 3: Apply a large amount of a cleansing conditioner or no-suds shampoo to your scalp and hair.Try As I Am Coconut CoWash, $8.00

Step 4: Gently massage your scalp and hair with the product. Pass your hair back under the water to make a creamy lather.

Step 5: Make sure you've added enough conditioner so that your hair is easy to comb. Use a wide tooth comb to thoroughly comb out your hair so that it's smooth and tangle-free. Rinse.

Step 6: If your scalp does not feel clean enough, repeat steps 3 and 4, then rinse again.

Step 7: Style your hair and allow it to air dry. You must avoid direct and high heat after you co-wash. There will still be product residue on your hair and it will cause your hair to burn from heat styling. Limit your use of heat to a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment or a bonnet dryer on low.

Updated March 17, 2012

How to do a Pre-Shampoo Oil Treatment

2012-03-17T20:37:16Z

Key Tips

Use pure, natural oil for the best results. Scientific research shows that coconut oil is the most effective choice, but olive oil and jojoba oil are also beneficial.
Only do an oil treatment if you plan to shampoo, not cowash.
Detangle your oil-coated hair with your fingers before you wash your hair.

Step 1: On wash day, divide your dry hair into 4-6 sections. Do not wet your hair.

Step 2: Apply a heavy coating of pure coconut, olive, or avocado oil throughout each section. Make sure to put oil on every layer of your hair from root to tip. Use 4-6 tablespoons depending on your hair thickness and length.

Step 3: Cover your hair with a plastic cap to keep the oil from dripping down your face and neck.

Step 4: Leave the oil on your hair for 20 minutes to 1 hour. Some say it's better to keep the oil on longer (even overnight), but you'll have to decide for yourself.

Step 5: Before you shampoo your hair, gently comb it out with your fingers to remove any tangles or knots. If you notice any breakage, skip this step and head for the shower.

Step 6: Follow this tutorial to wash your hair with minimal breakage.

Updated May 8, 2012

5 Tips to Speed Up Your Roller Set

2012-02-26T23:26:06Z

Use a leave-in that contains amodimethicone

Amodimethicone is a unique type of silicone that strengthens the weak areas of your hair. You may be tempted to reach for a more natural sounding ingredient, but oil-laden products increase your drying time without giving your hair any additional moisture. For a smooth, bouncy roller set, choose a leave-in conditioner or styler that contains amodimethicone and make sure to cover every strand. To make your set last longer, follow up with wrap lotion or an alcohol-free mousse before putting the rollers in.

Try Curlformers or Flexi Rods

Curlformers and Flexi Rods are different than traditional rollers because your hair hangs down instead of being tucked under. Since you aren't rolling the hair over itself, your roots can dry as fast as the rest of your hair.

Apply your products to towel-blotted hair

Towels are usually the enemy of frizz-prone hair, but when roller setting you can save time by blotting away excess moisture when you get out of the shower. Keep a spray bottle handy to mist any sections that become drier than you'd like.

Don't dry longer than necessary

That sounds obvious but we've all tried sleeping in rollers at least once. The tension of sleeping on rollers is not good for your scalp so don't make that part of your regular routine. Using the right products will help your set air dry (no heat) within 3-4 hours. For the quickest results, use a blow dryer on the warm setting for 15-30 minutes.

Roll small sections

The less hair in each section, the quicker your hair will dry. Buy enough rollers that you don't have to worry about running out. You don't need to make small parts with a comb, just grab sections about ½ inch wide and start rollin'.

Best of the Web: The Tension Blow Drying Method

2012-02-15T17:17:16Z

Singer Alicia James shows us how she stretches her tight coils with a blow dryer. This is a great technique because instead of combing your hair (which can cause breakage) you will gently pull small sections taut as you straighten them.

Channel: YouTube's AlicaJamesMusic

Best of the Web: Kelsey's Bun Tutorial

2012-02-14T22:45:45Z

This technique will work as long as your hair is long enough to make a medium-length ponytail. Pinning the hair around the ponytail base makes the bun look thicker and fuller.

Channel: YouTube's GlamTwinz33

Best of the Web: How to Diffuse Natural Hair

2012-02-01T23:29:51Z

Taren Guy demonstrates exactly how she defines her short natural coils with a blow dryer and diffuser.

Channel: YouTube's Taren916

How to Wash & Condition African American Hair

2012-01-15T22:08:07Z

Key Tips

Start by rinsing your hair for about 3 minutes.
Massage, don't scratch your scalp as you shampoo.
Comb your hair out from ends to roots before you rinse out the conditioner.

Pre-Shampoo Oil Treatment(optional)

Step 1: Using your fingers, divide your hair into 4-6 sections.

Step 2: Apply approximately 1 tablespoon of pure coconut, avocado, or extra virgin olive oil throughout each section. Make sure to put oil on every layer of your hair - you will use 4 to 6 tablespoons.

Step 3: Cover your hair with a plastic cap to keep the oil from dripping down your face and neck.

Step 4: Leave the oil on your hair for 1 hour or more.

Wash

Step 1: Gently comb through your hair with your fingers. Apply oil or a serum to areas that are very tangles. If you see or hear your hair breaking as you finger comb, skip to step 2.

Step 2: Once in the shower, rinse your hair with lukewarm water for about 3 minutes. This long rinse will loosen up and rinse away product build up from the week.

Step 3: Apply a quarter-sized amount of a gentle, moisturizing shampoo to your scalp and hair. Add more water to create a good lather.

Step 4: Gently rub your scalp with the shampoo lather.

Step 5: Gently and quickly, work shampoo through the length of your hair - don't separate the hair into sections or try to detangle it.

Step 6: Rinse thoroughly.

Condition

Step 1: Apply a large amount of a moisturizing conditioner throughout your hair. The amount you will use depends on your hair length and thickness. If your hair is very thick or tightly coiled, you may use a palm full of conditioner or more.

Step 2: Work the conditioner through your hair from root to tip.

Step 3:Add more water to your hair to help you distribute the conditioner. Make sure every strand of hair is saturated. Leave the conditioner in your hair for the amount of time specified in the instructions on the container.

Step 4: Before you rinse out the conditioner, detangle your hair with a wide tooth comb. Remember to start combing at the ends and work your way to the root.

Step 5: Rinse thoroughly.

Step 6: The next product you apply will depend on the style you're trying to achieve.

Bonus Tip: Moisture evaporates from highly porous hair very quickly, so be sure to apply your styling product or leave-in conditioner within 5 minutes of rinsing out your conditioner.

Top Kinky-Coily Hair Products of 2011

2012-01-10T21:35:05Z

L'Oreal EverStrong Overnight Treatment, $6
Available at Walgreens, Target, and Amazon.com
Use this treatment to deep condition your hair with ceramides the night before heat styling

Softsheen-Carson Roots of Nature
Butter Whip Coil Cream, $7
Available at Walgreens.com
Create fluffy twist outs or wash n' gos on medium to thick natural hair

Palladio Herbal Brow Gel in Clear, $6
Available at Sally's
Wet your hair line then smooth down your edges with this brow gel

Curlformers Styling Kit, $60
Available at Sally's and Curlformers.com
Set your hair with wrap lotion and Curlformers and you'll have smooth, shiny spirals within 90 minutes

Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask, $30
Available at Sephora and CarolsDaughter.com
This is a well-balanced protein conditioner that will leave your hair soft and strong

Living Proof No Frizz Straight Styling Treatment, $26
Available at Sephora and LivingProof.com
Great for fine natural or relaxed hair because it leaves the hair bouncy and moisturized, not weighed down

TIGI Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream, $20
Available at Walgreens and Amazon.com
This styling cream has enough hold to blend different hair textures together. Great for transitioners and naturals with fine hair

Pantene Pro-V Keratin Protection Crème, $6
Available at Walgreens, Target, and Amazon.com
Use this to moisturize and seal in one step. It's also light enough to use between washes without looking greasy

Remington Damage Therapy 1" Flat Iron, $45
Available at Amazon.com and RemingtonProducts.com
Teflon-coated plates on this iron protect the hair from cuticle damage and allow you to straighten with less heat. No more pressing combs!

Motions Light Styling Foam, $4
Available at Walgreens and Amazon.com
This multi-purpose foam delivers curl definition, shine, and breakage protection

Best of the Web: Curly Fro Tutorial

2012-01-02T06:18:27Z

This curly fro method works well for all types of natural hair including fine strands and tight coils. Use water-based products to twist, then follow up with a light oil to fluff.

Channel: YouTube's NaturallyCurlyGirly

Best of the Web: Simple Natural Hair Updo Tutorial

2011-12-23T03:47:46Z

Watch Whitney twist her Curlformers set into a beautiful updo.

Channel: YouTube's Naptural85

Best of the Web: 30s Inspired Side Swept Wave

2011-12-19T18:14:41Z

Autumn aka The Retro Natural loves vintage hairstyles and fashion. Check out this video to see how she creates side swept waves after doing a flexi rod set on her natural hair. This style is versatile enough for a casual party all the way to a formal wedding. It can also be done on roller set relaxed hair.

Channel: YouTube's CurlyChronicles

Best of the Web: French Braid Wrap with Locs Tutorial

2011-12-05T05:07:24Z

Watch this video to see how Francesca wraps her long locs into a french braid and side ponytail.

Channel: YouTube's Chescalocs

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How to Straighten Natural Hair

2011-10-30T21:20:04Z

Key Tips

Don't put heat on your hair unless it's been freshly shampooed and conditioned. For most women, that means only once per week.
Apply a leave-in conditioner and thoroughly comb out your hair while it's still damp.
To stretch out tight coils, apply wrap lotion and dry your hair in small to medium braids.

Total Styling Time: Approx. 3 hours

Step 1: Shampoo and condition your hair according to these instructions. Gently blot your hair dry with a hair towel.

Step 2: Prep your hair for the straightening process by applying a creamy leave-in conditioner that also offers heat protection. Nexxus Pro-Mend Leave-In Treatment, $9.99 is light, but rich.

Step 3: Using the end of a wide tooth comb, divide your hair into 6 to 10 sections. Secure each section with a jaw clip.

Step 4: Gently comb out each section. If your hair is difficult to comb, apply more leave-in conditioner. After each section has been thoroughly combed, apply a wrap or setting lotion. A good wrap lotion contains ingredients that help your hair stretch and stay moisturized. Try Creme of Nature Argan Oil Foaming Wrap Lotion, $5.99

Step 5: Braid each section to further stretch the hair out while it dries. Make sure to continue braiding to the very end of your hair so that your ends will be sleek.

Step 6: Air dry your hair for as long as possible. It's best to air dry instead of blow drying your hair.

*If you don't have time to air dry, sit under a bonnet dryer on low heat for approximately 30 minutes. You can also air dry for 15-20 minutes, then undo the damp braids and finish drying each section with a blow dryer on the low heat setting. Be careful not to over-dry your hair.

Step 7: Now, it's time to heat up your flat iron. A high-quality ceramic flat iron is the safest, most effective option for kinky-coily hair. The Remington Damage Therapy Straightener, $44.99 produces smooth, soft results every time. Make sure your flat iron has a temperature display and set it between 300˚ F and 350˚ F. Use just enough heat that you only need 1 or 2 passes to get the results you want.

Step 8: Gather the majority of your hair into 6 to 10 jaw clips, leaving a small section down in the very back. Make a horizontal part across the back of your head, near the base of your neck. Flat iron 1-inch sections working from left to right and bottom to top. Remember that direct heat can be damaging to your hair. Use the lowest heat setting and the least number of passes possible.

Be extra gentle with your hair throughout the week. Heat depletes your hair's internal moisture, so you must be extra careful to avoid breakage. Apply a small dab or light spray of a moisturizer to your hair once or twice a day, especially near the ends. At night, cover your hair with a satin scarf to keep it smooth and soft for up to 1 week.