Kink+Coil

Yarn braids are a funky and versatile way to protect your hair from the elements. Because yarn comes in a million different shades and hues, it's super easy to switch up your style -- even if you don't actually change your hairdo! If you're in search of inspiration, look no further than these seven ladies who have clearly mastered the art of rocking yarn braids.

I don't like to make generalizations, but I must say that Black women (and some Black men) really don't like to get their hair wet. Regardless of whether we're relaxed or natural, water simply doesn't play well with our kinks and coils. Even a humid day can wreak havoc on our painstakingly-achieved curl definition, not to mention the extreme shrinkage many of us experience if our hair gets completely drenched in the shower. When you consider how devastatingly quickly moisture can undo hours of hairstyling it's pretty easy to understand why people with afro-textured hair try to wash their hair as infrequently as possible. Of course there are other reasons we postpone wash day, including the fact that our scalps don't readily accumulate oil or dirt. We can't leave our hair unwashed forever, though. At some point we have to give in and get it wet... or do we?

Enter dry shampoo. Even though dry shampoo seems to have taken off in the last couple of years the concept has actually been around for centuries! According to Toni&Guy, Asians were applying clay powder to their tresses back in the 1400s. Dry shampoo has been commercially available for decades and has become popular as more people discover the convenience and styling advantages it provides. However, many of the people who love it so much tend to have type one or two hair (meaning their hair is quite straight). I Googled to see if I could find any curlier-haired people who have tried dry shampoo, and the results were interesting. While many ladies said they liked the product, I noticed four issues with the way it's supposed to be used and how it actually works.

PROBLEM #1: Dry Shampoo is Designed to Cause Dryness
The whole point of dry shampoo is to remove excess oil. This is a huge benefit for those whose hair gets oily quickly. However, the curlier your hair is the less likely it is to get oily, especially if your hair is long. This is because sebum, the nutrient-filled oil produced by your scalp, has a harder time sliding down the hair shaft. Applying dry shampoo to tresses that are already dried out will consequently strip them of what little protective oil they do have. I should mention there are dry shampoos that might work for people with dry hair, but I would only consider it if I had a tonne of product build-up and absolutely could not wash my hair.

PROBLEM #2: Dry Shampoo Must be Brushed or Blowdried Out
Because our hair is so dry, it's also quite brittle. It's a good idea to avoid manipulating it too often so it grows healthy and strong. Manipulation involves anything from braiding and brushing to twirling your hair out of boredom. Any kind of tension or friction exposes the hair shaft to the risk of breaking. That's why you should be careful about how often you change your hairstyles and the tools you use. The trouble with dry shampoo is that it can't just sit on top of your hair. It works best when evenly distributed by either brushing or blowdrying. Even if your hair has been straightened, brushing your hair too regularly or applying heat through a blowdryer can cause irreversible damage over time.

PROBLEM #3: Dry Shampoo Can Cause Itchiness
Your scalp might get agitated and itchy if you accidentally spray dry shampoo too close to your roots. Some people say their scalps get itchy if they apply excessive amounts of dry shampoo to their hair, too. One way to alleviate the itching is to massage your scalp with a light oil, but ironically, the best solution for a super agitated scalp is to actually wash it with water and conditioner!

PROBLEM #4: Dry Shampoo is Supposed to Add Volume and Hold
This is less of an issue and more of an undesired feature, in my honest opinion. My hair grows upwards and outwards instead of downwards because it's so kinky. You've probably noticed that your hair has a natural tendency to grow large if you also have type four curls. Unless you have very fine strands or you want even bigger, badder hair, you probably don't need a product to add more volume to your afro. Similarly, our hair texture is fabulous for holding styles without requiring much product. Whereas people with straight hair need cans and cans of hairspray and a million bobby pins to hold their hair up, ours pretty much stays put wherever we leave it. As such, I think the volume and hold dry shampoo provides are wasted benefits.

With all this in mind, dry shampoo doesn't seem ideal for afro-textured hair. I'm not a hair expert, though, and I'm not trying to refute any existing reviews of dry shampoo; if it works for you, great! I just wanted to write this post because there isn't a lot of information online about how dry shampoo truly works on kinkier hair and drier scalps. If you still really want to avoid washing your hair, check out my other post on how to keep your hair and scalp clean between washes.

Hair loss, or alopecia, is incredibly common and can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it's caused by aging, other times it manifests as a result of improper styling techniques. Those of us with afro-textured hair already realize what a challenge it can be to keep our hair healthy and strong due to its complex kinky and coily structure. Our hair is naturally quite dry and prone to breakage, so when alopecia creeps into the mix it can be even harder to get our hair back on track.

The good news is that because thinning hair and balding affect so many people, there's a bunch of treatments out there to relieve, and sometimes even reverse, the symptoms. I've seen everything from creams and medications to injections that promise to restore hair growth. To be honest they all sound great, but some of them contain ingredients that might not suit the lifestyle of a naturalista. By this I mean that many of us opt to wear our hair in its natural state to avoid the use of chemicals and synthetic ingredients. I know this isn't the case for everyone, but for a lot of us going natural implies an effort to treat our hair more gently. We commit to regimens that are more delicate on our tresses to encourage healthy growth, and if you're like me, part of that means using DIY recipes and products that are exclusively made of all-natural ingredients. So what are some natural ways you can treat alopecia? After a bit of research, I've found three popular methods.

FRESHLY SQUEEZED JUICES
Aloe vera juice is known for its versatile healing properties. It can be used for just about anything, including sunburns, joint pain, and weight loss. (StyleCraze) When it comes to hair care, aloe vera juice is a great addition to shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizing sprays because of its ability to stimulate hair growth. If you're feeling more adventurous, onion juice is another popular treatment for alopecia. It can be massaged directly onto the scalp to encourage blood flow. (StyleCraze) The increase in blood to the scalp enables more nutrients to be delivered to the follicles, which in turn helps more hair to grow.

BLENDED ESSENTIAL OILS
According to a study referenced on About.com, massaging a combination of essential and carrier oils into the scalp on a daily basis can lead to enhanced hair growth. For the study lavender, rosemary, cedarwood and thyme essential oils were used, as well as grapeseed and jojoba for carrier oils. Feel free to leave out any oils you are allergic to, or substitute in oils that have worked for you in the past. If you'd prefer a ready-made solution, the Alopecia Hair Loss Treatment by Just Natural Products conveniently contains all the essential oils that were used in the study.

NUTRIENT-RICH FOODS

• Protein - Because hair is composed of a protein called keratin, it's important to make sure your diet contains balanced portions of protein. This doesn't necessarily mean you must eat more meat if you're suffering from alopecia; plant-based proteins like those found in nuts, broccoli, and tofu are perfectly suitable too.
• Iron - If you're consuming protein you might be getting a bit of iron along with it. This, too, is beneficial to fighting hair loss because iron is necessary for maintaining healthy hair. (WebMD) Natural sources of iron include dried fruits, cashews, leeks, and berries. (Care2)
• Vitamin C - Vitamin C has also been linked to the promotion of hair growth. (OrganicFacts.net) Of course you already know citrus fruits like oranges are packed with vitamin C, but you can also get it from kale, strawberries, raspberries, and cantaloupe. Just make sure you take vitamin C along with iron otherwise your body won't absorb it properly.

Do you know of any other home remedies to treat alopecia? Share in a comment below!

MORE NATURAL HAIR TIPS FOR YOU
The Best Natural-Looking Wigs for Type 4 Naturalistas
Hair Loss: Could Extensions be the Culprit?
Five Ways to Avoid Becoming a Hair Hypochondriac

Wigs and hair extensions have always been a fashion item near and dear to Black women's hearts. Whether we wear them as a statement or a safety blanket, they always come through for us. One thing I've found frustrating about wigs, though, is the lack of variety when it comes to texture. Sure there are straight, wavy, and curly wigs in all lengths and colours, but what about the kinkier textures? I remember the struggle my Mom went through a few years ago to find a wig that matched her 4C curl pattern. Everywhere she went, the only afro-textured wigs she could find were for costume. Despite scouring local stores and even going online (an impressive feat for her, back then!), she was only able to find one wig that would suffice -- and it was more of a 4A curl type. Even after she trimmed and coloured it the wig simply didn't suit her. Luckily, times have changed. Manufacturers are now creating wigs and extension hair with tight coils, zig-zag kinks, and even braids! If you're looking for a realistic wig or set of extensions that will match your curl pattern, check out these options below.

AFFORDABLE WIGS (under $50)

Equal Wig by FreeTress

• Made of premium synthetic hair
• Comb on both the top and bottom
• Adjustable strap
• Comes in a variety of colors
• More details about this FreeTress Wig...

Long Afro-Curly Synthetic Hair Wig by Mi Hair

• High quality Kanekalon fiber
  
• Capless (basic, machine-made cap)
• Adjustable strap
• More details about this Mi Hair wig...

Lace Wig Drew by BeShe

• Snug, comfortable fit
• Comes in a variety of colors
• Starts to look even more realistic and natural with age
• More details about this BeShe wig...

MID-RANGE WIGS ($50-100)

Unprocessed Virgin Mongolian Hair Extensions by CARA

• Comes in different lengths
• Texture can be customized
• Can be dyed and flat ironed
• Doesn't tangle easily or shed when combed
• More details about this CARA wig...

Afro Indian Human Hair Wig by K'ryssma

• Comes in different lengths
• Adjustable straps
• Tangle- and shed-free
• More details about this K'ryssma wig...

Long Black High Density Synthetic Lace Front Wig by Generic

• Heat resistant
• Adjustable straps
• Partially handmade
• Comes in a variety of colors
• More details about this Generic wig...

Machine-Made Natural Real Remy Indian Human Hair by K'ryssma

• Comes in different lengths
• Tangle- and shed-free
• More details about this K'ryssma wig...

INVESTMENT WIGS (over $100)

Lace Front Wig with Bleached Knots and Baby Hair by Royal-First

• Realistic look due to baby hairs along hairline
• Chemical-free
• Tangle- and shed-free
• Can be dyed
• More details about this Royal-First wig...

Natural 100% Indian Remy Afro Wig by K'ryssma

• Can be dyed
• Tangle- and shed-free
• Adjustable straps
• Texture can be altered by picking it out
  
• More details about this K'ryssma wig...

Silk Top Full Lace Wig by Chantiche

• Glueless
• Elastic bands ensure firm fit
  
• More details about this Chantiche wig...

Natural 100% Brazilian Hair by K'ryssma

• Adjustable straps
• Tangle- and shed-free
• More details about this K'ryssma wig...

Of course there are other brands and styles out there, but this list is a great place to start if you're looking for a wig that will match your type 4 curls, coils, and kinks. Hope you find this helpful. Happy wig shopping!

Does it matter to you whether or not your wig matches your natural hair? Share your thoughts in a comment below!

MORE TIPS FOR YOUR NATURAL HAIR
How to Keep Your Scalp Squeaky Clean Between Washes
Three Things You're Forgetting to Do for Your Hair
Resistance is Futile: Just Cut Your Darn Hair!

It can be tricky to switch up your look if you have short to medium-length natural hair. Many styles like cornrows and Bantu knots are difficult, if not impossible, to achieve with only a few inches of hair to work with. It's also frustrating waiting for your hair to grow out just so you can have more styling choices. You should be able to enjoy your hair while it's short and experiment with a variety of styles!

Enter the hair brush sponge. This clever invention has been rising in popularity, especially as more people opt for the big chop and locs. By design, it's incredibly simple: just a sponge with small, evenly-spaced circular indents that catch and coil the hair into neat little sections. Depending on how you use it the sponge can provide a different texture to your afro, create neat coils, or even help you start your dreadlocks. Although hair brush sponges generally look the same, there are some differences you should be aware of. I've taken the liberty of scouring through the options and narrowed it down to the following three.

Cherir Premium Hair Sponge
Pros

• Quick and easy to use
• Yields professional-looking results
• Constructed from high quality materials
• Durable up to one year

Cons

• Larger than other sponge brands

>> More details about this Cherir sponge...

Magic Barber Sponge Brush
Pros

• Works within minutes
• Durable up to a few weeks

Cons

• Some people find the sponge awkward to hold due to its size (but it can be cut in half)
• Leaves particles in hair once it starts to degrade

>> More details about this Magic Barber sponge...

Magic Twist Hair Brush Sponge
Pros

• Easy to use
• Great for starting dreadlocks
• Fits comfortably in hand
  

Cons

• Cheaply constructed
• Must be replaced often, as it disintegrates after only a few uses

>> More details about this Magic Twist sponge...

THE VERDICT
If I had to choose one of these sponges I'd definitely go with the Cherir Premium Hair Sponge. It's incredibly easy to use and because it's made with such fine materials, it provides salon-quality results. The sponge is also covered by a one year replacement warranty, which means you'll be able to use it for far longer than any other brand.

Have you ever used a hair brush sponge before? Share your experience in a comment below!

MORE NATURAL HAIR TIPS FOR YOU
The Best Natural-Looking Wigs for Type 4 Naturalistas
Product Review: Holy Grail Premium Conditioner by London Ivy Products
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