KandyLand

Clarifying Your Hair 101

What is clarifying?

Clarifying is a process that helps remove all oils, dirt, and products out of your hair.

When you notice your hair feels weighed down, very greasy, and notice product residue. It's time to clarify your hair.

How often should I clarify?

I typically clarify N's hair once a month. I use gel, moisturizer, and oils, almost daily in her hair. For those who may have hard water, frequent swimmers, or use a ton of products, you may need to do this more often.

How to clarify your hair

I use a regular cheap shampoo to clarify. I make sure that the shampoo has sulfate (this strips the hair.) The shampoo from Suave, Pantene, or Garnier are typically the brands I use. I shampoo like usual, but I make sure to do a deep conditioning treatment afterwards to help restore moisture back into the hair.

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Preserving The Style

As the frizzies come, there is really no way to avoid it completely. Here are a few tips to help minimize the appearance of frizzies, and help to keep the style looking fresh & new.

-Styling-

This is so simple, but does a really good job at hiding away the frizzies. I created a quick side ponytail. But styling the twists with a ponytail, pigtails, buns, french braid, or even cornrow it. All of these styles can be created on the twists, help to hide the frizz, and it's cool to switch up the style.

-Slick It Down-

For N's edges/baby hair I used a small amount of Eco Styler Gel and smoothed it down with a soft brush. It kind of reminds me of these 90's styles hahaha. But hey! It helps keep her braids looking fresher.

-Pineapple-

Looks kind of like a big pineapple sitting on top of her hair. As silly as it may look, this method helps to preserve the twists. You simply put the hair into a high loose bun. Then you are all set to go to sleep, when you awake, remove and shake.

- Cover it-

Another great way to hide frizz is to place a bandanna over the hair overnight. Make sure it is on snug to help lay the hair down. I leave it on overnight, but if you do not have the time leave it on for a few hours. This will help lay the frizzy hair down. I usually have the bandanna underneath her satin cap.

Finally, if she is playing around the house or rolling on the ground. I will have her wear her scarf around the house, so this helps to protect the style.

- What are some ways you help to keep protective styles fresh?

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Winners Of The Lilla Rose Flexi-Clip Giveaway!

The contest is over, we have to thank Renee for sponsoring this giveaway! Two ladies will receive a beautiful Lilla Rose Flexi-Clip (valued up to $16) and the winners are.....

-Click here & look on the form-

Congratulations!!

-Please respond to my email by July 3rd.-

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SpotLight: Shakirah & Starr

1.) Your name and little one's name/nickname?

My name is Shakirah, and my daughter's name is Starr.

2.) What's your child's haircare routine?

We made a decision 8 mos ago to become natural! This decision was based on a more healthy lifestyle for my daughter's hair. We will never go back to perms. Lately, we have been doing protective styles using natural products. We have a routine of washing/deep condition. Then we braid it back up!

3.) What products are you currently using?

I keep it moisturized with olive oil, coconut oil, and we use eco styler gel for her edges. We use Kinky Curly products, but lately I have my eye on Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo used For: Repairing, Strengthening, Hair Re-growth. Just because it can be used on all hair types, and have that retention that she need.

4.) Do you use (or will or will not use) heat/chemicals on the child's hair?

We do not use any type of heat, and I band her hair.

5.) Do you use heat/chemicals on your hair?

As of now, I am not using any perms in my hair either.

6.) What was the worst hair tip you have received?

The worst advice I ever received about my daughter's hair was that, I was going to have to cut it all off for her to be natural, I did not do that! Her hair is growing well. I just keep a good watch on her ends. I keep them sealed with coconut oil.

7.) Do you cut/trim the hair? if so how often?

I do trim, but not very often, because the coconut oil has done it's job.

8.) What is some hair advice you would like to share?

The best advice I can give anyone is, if you or your daughter edges ever come out, Castor oil grows it back fast. I forgot to include, we keep her hair oiled with Olive oil, a great help. Kandyland Kurls/BBB, has become our family.

-Shakirah, you are doing a marvelous job transitioning her hair to natural! Your story is truly inspiring, and of course Starr is just a .... Little star!!! She is beautiful! Keep up the great job!

-If you would like to see your child on KandyLandKurls please click on our tab "Participate" above, for more details.

Kandy 4 comments

Mini Twists

It's back.......

It's officially Summertime, and we are starting it off with one of our favorite protective style.....Mini Twists!

After N went swimming, I washed and conditioned her hair. Placed her hair in 5 braids and she went to bed. In the morning, once her hair was dry, I unraveled her braids and banded her hair.

I started creating two strand twists in the back of her hair. I used Eco Styler Gel mixed with Bee Mine Curly Butter for hold. I applied this mix to each section before I twist. Once I reach the ends of the twist, I curled the ends of her hair with my finger, to stop it from unraveling along with adding more of our mix.

It took us over 6 hours to complete, which is the longest EVER! I never made the twists this small, so they should last awhile.

-For a tutorial on how to create mini twists, check out this video-

How is your little one rocking their hair this summer?

Kandy 1 comment

Not So Good Ingredients In Hair Products

With a million products out there, it's hard to determine what to "watch out" for, when buying the basics for your hair journey. I put together this list of a few ingredients found in hair products that are "no good."

Shampoo: I recommend using all natural products, but if not, make sure to avoid these ingredients: Parabens, Sulfates (unless you are clarifying.)

Conditioner: Avoid Phthalates, Alcohol, Formaldehyde On packaging labels, this chemical is also known by Diazolidinyl urea, 3-diol Imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Nitorpropane-1, Formalin, Methanal, Methyl aldehyde, Methylene oxide.

Moisturizer: Look for a water based moisturizer, which means water is one of the first ingredients. Try to avoid Mineral oil or petroleum.

Oil: Try to find a natural oil like coconut, shea butter, or extra virgin olive oil to seal in your moisturizer.