The Many Faces of Kinky & Curly Hair...

When Maya Angelou wrote the words “when you know better you do better,” the hope was that she had the state of our hair on the brain, but all signs point to not even close!

Whatever the meaning behind Maya’s poignant words, they perfectly frame this entry because if you don’t know or understand what your brand of natural hair is, then it’s impossible to know what products to use to improve the overall look and feel of your precious mane.

If you’re the woman who turned her back on the affectionately named ‘creamy crack,’ (also known as relaxer) in favor of virgin hair then this entry was written for you.

If you’re the mother of a biracial child who has absolutely no clue how to work with what appears to be unmanageable hair then this entry was written for you.

If you’re the woman who’s forever worn natural hair, but wants to elevate her average, dull-looking curly hair to enviable, defined curly locks then this entry was written for you.

So let’s define your curly personality (inspired by the best marketing materials HKI’s ever seen from the natural hair care brand Uncle Funky’s Daughter (UFD):

FRIZZY = best described as hair that looks like actress & comedienne Maya Rudolph’s. Hair is usually straight at the crown and as it gets longer becomes wavy. The wave pattern stretches into “S” shaped curls that are medium-to-less defined and hair doesn’t bounce. To bring definition to frizzy hair, try Uncle Funky’s Daughter SuperCurl Miracle ($29, unclefunkysdaughter.com) which detangles, stretches and defines curls while it adds all-too-necessary moisture.

PLENTY ‘O VOLUME = UFD describes hair like actress Rachel True’s as stretched, loose, loopy “S” curls, bouncy medium ringlets and tight corkscrew (size of a straw) curls. Hair has plenty of volume. If you have no choice but to wash your hair every couple of days, then try something like DevaCurl’s Low-Poo Cleanser ($18.95, devashansalon.com). It’s a low-lather (only about 5%) shampoo that gently removes dirt and styling products that weigh hair down without stripping hair of it’s moisture.  

TIGHTLY COILED = the singer Shinga Shoniwa is the epitome of this hair type. While some curls in this category appear in tight ‘Z’ formations, others have no visible curl pattern, are coarse, densely packed, fragile hair that looks dry, but is, in fact, moisturized. To get and keep your hair super soft and manageable, use Nexxus Humectress Moisturizing Conditioner ($24.99, walgreens.com).

Curly girls unite and do you - I love it!  

Hue Knew It? I did.  

    

Disclaimer: Some products featured have been provided by the brands and/or public relations agencies.

Comments

[CeSWhite]

Another amazing post, GG! Love it.
Crystal

[Kyoto]

Next time feature Sophina Brown.. my hair is exactly like hers and I would love to know what products she uses and who cuts her hair!

[Gregorie, Beauty & Skin Expert]

I'll look into posting about Sophina. It'll take some time though. Sorry!

[Joni R]

Why must I be a rich chick to be a natural chick??? Nexxus Humectress Moisturizing Conditioner...$25...REALLY??

[VJ Slym]

I am preparing to cut my hair to a short afro and allow it to grow out naturally, Most of the products are expensive and I know that I may have to try several until I get the right one. I would like to know of stylist in the Los Angeles area that specialize in caring for natural hair. If you have any suggestions please let me know

[DB]

To JoniR and VJ Slym. I have been natural for years but stopped straightening my hair about a year ago. I use and love Shea Moisture Products. They are wonderful, organic, and inexpensive...$10 a bottle! Go to target.com to find out more. But where I live in Detroit, Walgreens has them on sale regularly buy one get one half off. These products are sooo soooo good. I have 3c/4a type hair and it bounces and is soft and smells great. You will love them!

[Going Natural]

I am trying to go natural and kinda stuck right now my hair is long and don't know if I should cut it or not. I have not had a perm in five months my hair is thick and don't know what to do about it right now help!!!!

[Suzanne]

To the curly girl looking to save a few bucks on products - there is hope. I saw a new website launching for products at a discount specifically for our hair - beautifulnaturalhair.com.