ash did my hair

CURLY HAIR ROUTINE FOR BEGINNERS 

Curly hair is beautiful and unique, but it can also be challenging to manage. If you’re new to embracing your curls, don’t worry! This beginner’s guide will walk you through a simple yet effective routine to help you achieve defined, bouncy, and frizz-free curls. Let’s embark on this curly hair journey together!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHAMPOO

The “right” shampoo is one that’s gentle and designed to enhance your curls. With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming, but starting with a sulfate-free shampoo is a great choice—these are increasingly common as more brands release sulfate-free ranges.

Most products will be clearly labeled as sulfate-free, but if you’re unsure, you can easily check. Just search for the shampoo’s ingredients online, then copy and paste them into CURLSBOT, a tool that instantly tells you if it’s Curly Girl-approved. I keep CURLSBOT saved on my phone—it’s a lifesaver at any stage of the curly journey!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONDITIONER

The “right” conditioner for curly hair means opting for a silicone-free formula. If you’re used to products with silicones, going silicone-free may feel like a big change, but it’s an important step in a curl-friendly routine.

Many commercial conditioners contain silicones, so it’s worth checking labels. Silicone-free conditioners don’t need to be expensive—they simply avoid silicones that can build up on your hair, causing greasiness, weighing curls down, and reducing bounce.

A T-SHIRT FOR DRYING

That’s right—a simple t-shirt is perfect for drying curly hair! Unlike a regular towel, a t-shirt is much softer and won’t roughen the hair cuticle.

You can use it as you would a towel, or you can try “plopping.” To plop, gently lower your hair forward into the t-shirt, then wrap and secure it around your head. Leave it on for 10-40 minutes to absorb moisture while helping curls form into defined clumps.

Alternatively, there’s “micro-plopping,” where you scrunch each curl individually with the t-shirt to remove excess water. Whether plopping or micro-plopping, a t-shirt is gentler than a towel, though a microfiber towel is also a good option for curly hair.

CHOOSING A STYLING PRODUCT – GEL, MOUSSE, OR CREAM

When starting a curly hair routine, it’s common to use a gel, mousse, or cream. Some people even layer all three! For beginners, starting with one product is ideal; you can experiment and build up your routine as you get to know what works for your curls.

It’s a good idea to check product ingredients, avoiding “nasties” like drying alcohols (e.g., Alcohol Denat) and silicones. This extra step helps keep curls healthy and bouncy.

Apply styling products on soaking wet hair to lock in moisture and minimize frizz. Scrunch the product up to the roots, aiming to shape your curls while wet and keep that definition as they dry.

GEL

Gel is great for setting curls in a “cast” as it dries, holding the shape until you’re ready to scrunch out the crunch, leaving soft, defined curls. A favorite gel for many is the Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly.

CREAM

Creams reduce frizz and add moisture, giving a softer look and more volume, though they typically don’t define curls as much as gel.

MOUSSE

A lightweight mousse helps define curls and add volume, especially at the roots. It should be light and non-sticky, so curls feel soft once dry. Each product offers unique benefits—try one and see how your curls respond!

A DIFFUSER

While air-drying is a solid option, many people find that a diffuser becomes an essential tool for styling curls. Air-drying can take a long time, especially since curly hair tends to dry in clumps and retains more moisture with the products you’re using.

Using a diffuser can speed up drying while encouraging curl formation by lifting and holding curl clumps closer to the scalp. For best results, use a low heat setting to reduce potential heat damage.

Avoid using a regular dryer without a diffuser, as it can disrupt curl clumps. If you don’t have a diffuser attachment, it’s actually better to air-dry. And as you transition into a new curl routine, try to minimize the use of heated tools like curling wands—your curls will thank you!

A DEEP CONDITIONER

Deep conditioning is key to keeping curls hydrated and healthy. Aim to deep condition at least every two weeks, or even weekly if your hair needs the extra moisture. A quality deep conditioner helps rehydrate naturally dry curls, while also softening and detangling them.

These treatments often contain nourishing oils and butters. Simply apply after shampooing and let it sit for around 30 minutes before rinsing out.

Another option is a “pre-poo” treatment, where you apply an oil or conditioning treatment like Olaplex to dry hair before shampooing. Leave it on overnight or for a few hours to give your curls a deep boost before you wash.

FINAL TIP

Keep track of your washday routine to fine-tune your curly hair care and see what works best for you. Here’s what to note down:

  • Which cleansing and conditioning products you used, including any deep conditioners
  • Did you plop or micro-plop?
  • Which styling products you applied, and in what order
  • Did you apply them with your hair hanging forward or back?
  • Did you scrunch the products in?
  • Did you diffuse until your hair was 100% dry or just 80%?

Also, take photos of your results! They’ll be invaluable when you’re figuring out what works best for your curls. I still jot down small changes I make to my routine, as even minor adjustments can lead to major differences in results.

I created a tracker for myself to keep track of my washdays, and I’m sharing it here because I’ve found it super helpful!

CONCLUSION

Congratulations, you’ve taken the first step towards embracing your natural curls! Remember, consistency is key. As you continue to experiment with your routine, you’ll discover what works best for your unique hair type.

Don’t be afraid to seek advice from other curly-haired individuals or consult with a hairstylist who specializes in curly hair. By following these basic steps and tailoring them to your specific needs, you’ll be well on your way to achieving healthy, beautiful, and bouncy curls.

70S FASHION TRENDS THAT SHOULD MAKE A COMEBACK TODAY

We can take plenty of inspiration from 70s fashion. Like every decade, the 1970s had its share of fashion blunders, but it also introduced incredible trends that vintage enthusiasts can effortlessly recreate today. Here are some 70s fashion trends that absolutely need to make a comeback!

KAFTAN/CAFTAN DRESSES

These elegant, long, and vibrant patterned dresses are ideal for poolside or beachside lounging on your luxury vacation! You can also glide around the house in this 70s fashion trend, feeling like a regal queen as you relax. Inspired by Moroccan culture, kaftan or caftan dresses are loose, flowing, and lightweight—perfect for warm weather. The variety of colorful and unique patterns available in kaftans is endless, and they pair effortlessly with dangling earrings and your favorite sandals or wedges to complete this bohemian chic look!

FARRAH FAWCETT HAIR

Farrah Fawcett was the quintessential Hollywood bombshell of the 70s. Not only did she gain fame for her outstanding performance as Jill Munroe in the iconic television series Charlie’s Angels, but she was also renowned for her perfectly voluminous hair! While 70s hairstyles could easily miss the mark, Farrah Fawcett certainly nailed it. Her hair can be effortlessly modernized today by softening the waves and achieving a more natural look, while still keeping it thick and voluminous. Adding bangs (or fringes) is another fantastic way to revive a vintage 70s vibe. Full, curtain bangs that are slightly parted, like the ones featured below, will do the trick!

BELL BOTTOMS

As thrifting and vintage clothing continue to dominate today’s fashion landscape, bell bottoms remain a 70s trend that many modern fashionistas are hesitant to embrace. It’s rare to see someone wearing bell bottom jeans these days, and they’re certainly hard to find at your local retail store. Fortunately, some vintage enthusiasts are gradually incorporating bell bottoms into their current wardrobes by giving them a contemporary twist with various patterns, such as plaid or stripes, which tend to be flattering on almost everyone. Be fearless and revive these curve-flattering, leg-lengthening high-waisted bell bottoms!

DISCO JUMPSUITS

While jumpsuits are undoubtedly back in style in today’s fashion world, disco jumpsuits tell a different story. This 70s trend thrived in the era of disco clubs, which celebrated all things flashy, shiny, and glittery. I can imagine how these eye-catching disco jumpsuits reflected the light from the disco balls, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Most disco jumpsuits featured plunging necklines and cinched waists, making them the perfect go-to outfit for a night out with your friends! This 70s trend of wearing jumpsuits to the club is not only stylish but also practical, offering greater mobility compared to the more recent body-con dress trend. So, the next time you plan a night out, consider sporting a modern take on disco jumpsuits, like this one from Akira:

MOOD RINGS

I don’t know about you, but I remember mood rings as my favorite childhood accessory. These iconic pieces have been around since 1975, when their inventors combined liquid crystals with quartz stones. Mood rings are the quintessential 1970s fashion accessory, not just for kids! They offer a fun way to wear jewelry and can spark bonding moments with friends as you all check how you “feel” based on the warmth of your fingers and the rings’ color-changing properties. We definitely need to bring this playful and nostalgic accessory back into our lives—not just as rings, but also as earrings, necklaces, and more! This fabulous mood ring from Urban Outfitters and various styles from Etsy would make a delightful addition to your modern jewelry collection!

ASCOTS

Also known as neck scarves, ascots can add a vibrant pop of color and sophistication to any outfit. There’s a reason why ladies of the 1970s embraced this fashion trend! Instead of relying solely on necklaces for accessorizing, ascots provide an easier and more affordable way to breathe life into your everyday wardrobe. By wearing a monochrome outfit and tying on a brightly colored ascot, you can effortlessly draw attention to your neck area. Just look at how this once-plain outfit transforms into the perfect backdrop for the green neck scarf to shine!

CORDUROY

This fabric was once the biggest trend of the 1970s, and rightfully so. Corduroy is renowned for its durability and versatility, appearing in a variety of trousers, jackets, skirts, and even shirts! Slowly but surely, corduroy is making a comeback on the fashion scene. While it can be found in various colors, camel remains the most iconic choice, perfectly complementing a neutral, minimalist wardrobe.

CONCLUSION

The 70s was a decade of bold experimentation and self-expression, reflected in its fashion trends. As we continue to evolve and redefine our fashion choices, it’s clear that there’s something timeless about the 70s aesthetic. By incorporating elements like wide-leg pants, platform heels, and vibrant patterns into our modern wardrobes, we can not only pay homage to a bygone era but also embrace a fresh, eclectic sense of style. The 70s fashion trends are more than just a nostalgic throwback; they offer a wealth of inspiration for the contemporary fashion-forward individual.