What Are the Ladies of Spotlight Monday Using for Moisture and Definition?

Hey all!

A couple of weeks ago, I was asked by a friend, to ask the lovely ladies of Spotlight Monday about their Holy Grail/Staple/Go-To products, and what products give us the kind of definition and moisture we want.  Luckily, most of the lovely ladies answered with more than enough information, so all of you beautiful people get to see what we are using to keep our hair healthy, moisturized and defined!  

I have also included the links for each individual Spotlight Monday post so you can read back and read about the lovely ladies that have featured thus far on Spotlight Monday.  If I am able to get the remaining information from the missing features, I will definitely update this post and let you all know!  So let's get to it:

Me (http://curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com/2013/09/spotlight-monday-my-natural-story.html)

• Water*
• Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In/Detangler
• SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
• Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls/Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel
• EVOO/EVCO/JBCO
• Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner
• Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment/Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask

Chantell (http://curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com/2013/10/spotlight-monday-chantell.html)

• Wen Cleansing Conditioner *(Fig is recommended for 'Ethnic' hair, but I use all of the different scents) for CoWashing
• Carol's Daughter Monoi Shampoo/Conditioner
• Camille Rose Blue Algae Deep Conditioner for protein/strengthening
• Trader Joe's Balance Moisturizing Nourish Spa Conditioner for moisture/slip
• Jane Carter Nourish and Shine (!!!)
• Coconut Oil
• Eco Styler Gel

Alex (http://curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com/2013/10/spotlight-monday-alex.html)

• Argan & Avocado Oils with Cantu Shea Butter (they're really light!)
• Use twist outs/perm rods for definition, or does a WnG & finger combs the hair to clump the curls together
• Eco Styler Gel for hold

Reecie (http://curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com/2013/10/spotlight-monday-reecie.html)

• L'oreal EverCurl Hydracharge Shampoo
• Aussie Moist Conditioner
• Hair Mayonnaise Deep Conditioner
• Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In
• Coconut & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Eco Styler Gel

Malanya (http://curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com/2013/11/spotlight-monday-malanya.html)

• Dr. Bronner's Castor Oil Soap
• Olive Oil Gel
• Tea Tree Oil or Coconut Oil (occasionally)

Shanelle (http://curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com/2013/11/spotlight-monday-shanelle.html)

• Kinky-Curly Curling Custard
• SheaMoisture Hair Milk
• Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Leave-In Conditioner

Shanna (http://curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com/2013/12/spotlight-monday-shanna.html)

• Ouidad Hydrafusion Curl Quencher
• Ouidad Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel (apply to very wet hair & it'll curl so fast!)
• SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
• Jane Carter Spray Gel
• Love Me and Leave-Me-In Conditioner (made by natural hair enthusiast/vlogger, Kimmay)
• Conditional Love Conditioner

Please understand that the products mentioned have worked for us.  This post is just to give you an idea of the kinds of products that we use for moisture and definition.  I am, in no way, suggesting that you go out and buy one of everything mentioned, but if you do wish to try some of the products out, I would definitely suggest that you read product reviews and ingredients before using them.  You may find that they contain ingredients that don't necessarily work for you, and that's fine.  Also, take into consideration that everyone cannot use everything and what has worked for one may not work for you!

Trust your hair.  It will always tell you what it likes and what it needs.  Just listen!

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

If you have any questions for the ladies of Spotlight Monday, please comment below!

Spotlight Monday: Chantell

It's Monday again, and you know what that means-- Spotlight Monday!  Today, we will meet Chantell.  Not only is she my friend, BUT she is one of my favorite naturalistas.

Let's begin..

How long have you been natural?
> I have been natural for 3.5 years.  It has been a looooong journey.

Did you transition, or big chop?  Why did you take that route?
> I got my last perm in May 2009 (for prom) and then I big chopped in Feb 2010.  In between, I mostly straightened my hair, but I played with braid outs and twist outs to blend the textures.  I thought I wanted to wait to gain some length before I big chopped, but I got sick of sweating out my blowouts/flat irons, and working with thick roots and limp permed ends.

On big chopping-- How did you feel?
> I asked one of my friends to cut it on a huge whim and I tried to make it a really meaningful experience.. side note* we burned the hair and everything.  But when I got home and looked in the mirror I was miserable.  I even skipped a school party because I was so uncomfortable with my hair.  It took a lot of time for me to get used to my new hair. I kept saying I was baldheaded (lmao) and my family didn't help with their jokes either.  My great uncle told me it looked awful.  It's funny now, but it definitely wasn't then.


What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> To be honest, I didn't really embrace my hair until about a year and a half into being natural.  Once I discovered my hair was easily straightened, all I did was wear it straight.  The few times I did wear it natural, it attracted too much attention that I didn't care for. Once the natural hair movement exploded on blogs and YouTube, I began to educate myself on how to take care of my hair.  It became a huge, and expensive, hobby.  I bought damn near every product, but I've finally developed a couple of regimens that work for my hair type, which I consider to be a 3c/4a.

How do you feel about your hair today?
> I LOVE my hair, it's so versatile.  I'm so proud of it, and its one of my favorite things about myself.  When people ask questions about it, I'm happy to respond.  Although I haven't reached my length goal yet, it's as healthy as its ever been, which is the most important part.  Healthy hair is good hair.

For more hair photos, visit Chantell on Instagram @ceeemjay! :)

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any natural hair questions for Chantell?  If so, comment below!

My Current Regimen

1 pump of this.. 3 squeezes here.. shake 4 times to the left.. and voilà!

I wish it was as simple as a pump, a squeeze & a shake, but anywho..

As most of you know, it is extremely important to create a hair regimen.  For those of you that don't know, it is extremely important to create a hair regimen.  By creating a regimen, you are formulating a method to not only see what your hair likes, but to make wash days and hair management easier.  Once you do this, washing (shampooing or cowashing), conditioning, and styling your hair should become a breeze.  

I usually get a lot of questions about my regimen like, "what do I use to do this?!" "how do you get your hair like this?!" or "how did you do that??", so I'm going to break my regimen down so you can all see what I do to get her like this, or that :)

First:  I wash my hair (usually with shampoo).  Yes, I am a shampooer!  I find that I get better results if my hair is clean clean.  I find that cowashing doesn't really do it for me, especially after a couple of days of eco styler gel use.  I have not found a conditioner or cowash cleanser that can remove old, built up eco styler gel, so shampoo it is!  At the moment I am using Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Threat Invigorating Shampoo.  It provides me with the clean feeling that I love. 

Next:  After my hair is thoroughly clean-- free from product and rinsed from the shampoo-- I condition and detangle my hair with a wide tooth comb.  This is one of the most important steps because this is when things get real!  If the right amount of slippery conditioner is not provided, you can end up ripping your hair out.. ouch.  I apply my conditioner all over, either TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner or Suave Naturals Conditioner, I stand under the shower stream for a few seconds to distribute the conditioner, then I grab my wide tooth comb & go to work.  I do not section my hair with twists, only because it doesn't take me a long time to detangle.  When wet, my hair is shoulder length, and extremely wavy; I rarely encounter knots and tangles so detangling is pretty easy.  If I do have a knot, or tangle, that the comb can't fix, I pull it apart with my fingers.  This way, I don't rip it out and cause harm to my hairs.  I usually start with the front left then I move to the back, applying more conditioner as needed.  Then I detangle the right side and finish the back.  I try to remove the shed hairs from the comb and my hands before moving to another section.  I would hate to detangle then mix the shed hairs back into my hair-- that would defeat the purpose of detangling.  After I'm done detangling, I add more conditioner, comb through my hair once more, and place my hair into a clip until I'm done showering.

Then:  After showering, I rinse the conditioner from my hair, squeeze the excess water out, and apply my deep conditioner.  I use Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask (sometimes mixed with coconut and/or olive oils), Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment, or ORS Hair Mayonnaise (usually once a month).  I gather my hair into a processing cap, exit the shower, and sit under my bonnet dryer for 30mins to an hour on medium heat.  After my session, I remove the processing cap and allow the conditioner to cool.  I want to make sure that my hair has absorbed the goodies from the treatment before I rinse my hair.  When I do rinse, I rinse with cold water-- cold water closes the cuticle to lock the goodies in!

Next:  I squeeze the excess water out-- while doing this, I am careful not to wring my hair because I don't want to disturb the curl pattern.  So I gently squeeze my hair to remove the excess water.  Now I'll apply my leave in conditioners-- TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner, Kinky-Curly Knot Today, Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave In Cream, Infusium 23 Repair & Renew, Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream, and/or Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner.  I do not use all of these at once!  I use 1-3 depending on how I'm feeling, or if I need added moisture or protection.  Once I have added my leave in, I seal my hair with olive, sweet almond, coconut, or JBCO oil.  I also apply JBCO to my edges and scalp (I swear by it for hair growth).

wash & go

Finally:  I decide on the style.  If I decide to do a WnG (Wash & Go), I apply my Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie.  I use this to not only enhance my curls, but to lock in all the moisture that I can!  Along with this, I'll apply a gel to add shine, bounce, and hold to my WnG.  I use either Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls or Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel.  If I'm pressed for time, I usually diffuse my hair to help it dry quickly.  Other than that, I air dry.

If I do a twist out, I will apply my leave in: TRESemme Natural NM Conditioner, Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream and an oil, etc. and/or my Curly Kinks Twist Whip to twist.  If I use the CKTW, then I use one leave in and twist on damp hair.  I always take down my twists with some kind of oil on my hands.  The oil will add shine and help reduce frizz :)   

side notes:
- My newest/most common leave in combo is the KCKT and Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner
- I've learned that the secret to avoid hard, crunchy curls with Eco Styler Gel is to put an oil underneath ;)
- Yes, that is a cookie monster toothbrush in my drawer (I have to lay my edges down sometimes lol)
- I do refrigerate my TRESemme Naturals Conditioner-- a cold leave in will also help to seal the hair cuticle ;)
- That's only one drawer worth of products LOL
- Most importantly-- Once you create a regimen, and it works for you, stick with it!

The longest part of my regimen is usually the time spent under my bonnet dryer and my styling time, especially if I decide to twist my hair.  Other than that, I find my wash days pretty easy.  I do alter things in my regimen once in a while, such as my deep conditioning treatments (I have used coconut oil & JBCO before), and I pre poo once in a while, but this is what I do more times than a few.  I found that this particular regimen works for me.  I wanted to share my regimen with you all so that you can see what I do to get my hair to look a certain way, but so you all also have an idea of how to create your own regimens.  I hope this helps, but I'm willing to answer questions if you have any!

Xo, Ashley  

Have you created your own hair regimen?  Have you found a system that works for you?  Share it with us; leave a comment below!

Spotlight Monday: My Natural Hair Story

So to start off Spotlight Monday (yes, that's what I'm going to call it) I'm going to start with my natural hair story/journey.  This way, you'll have an idea of what is to come from a Spotlight Monday feature.  You might find a new hair crush, or find a story that relates to your own journey!

So, to begin..

I have been fully natural for a year and almost 5 months.  I transitioned for 9 months and big chopped on May 11th, 2012.  

I honestly didn't plan on going natural.  My mom had decided to transition, and was trying to not run back to the creamy crack.  I thought I'd be able to do this with her for some added motivation.  At first, I thought I'd be a long term transitioner, like my mom.  I wanted something new and spicy, since I wasn't texlaxing, so I ended up getting my hair cut into a bob (after seeing Chrissy's hair on LHHNY).

I figured because the bob was short, it wouldn't take long for my hair to grow out.. and it didn't.  My hair legit grew like weeds!  It grew out from the bob quickly, and was back down to my shoulders before I knew it.  During a school visit in April 2012, my friend showed me the MyNaturalSistas YouTube channel.  It was on then.  We must have stayed up for hours watching their videos.  Soon after, we found other natural hair channels, and we. were. in. love!  I couldn't wait to experience my natural hair.  So when I got home the 10th, I decided to hit the hair salon on the 11th to big chop.  My hair stylist must have called on God a thousand times while asking me if I was sure that that was what I wanted to do.

And so the cutting began..
When I first cut my hair I was happy.  I was free.  I had done something I didn't think was possible (for me, at least).  Soon after, I felt a bit overwhelmed.  I even cried a few times.  I didn't feel pretty.  I hated my hair.  I had to relearn how to style my hair so that I'd feel somewhat pretty.  I was used to having long, flowing hair, and now, I had this puff on my head-- wahhh!  I wasn't the experimental type.  I did a twist out here & there.  Everything else was just a wash & go.  I had to learn to take care of something that was, unfortunately, foreign to me, but I did.  I had help from my friends and family.  My boyfriend's kind words also got me through it.  Who doesn't like being told that they're beautiful regardless of a little hair cut?  *Swoon*  


I'm not even going to lie-- I've thought about texlaxing (texturizing) it, but then I think about how curly it is-- it is seriously curls galore!  It has grown greatly since I first cut it.  In fact, she's huge.  I have learned to appreciate my hair-- every curl, wave, and coil.  I love the fact that my hair is versatile; I can wash & go, twist it, and straighten it if I wanted.  I appreciate the love and compliments I receive for what grows naturally from my scalp.  

I hope to inspire through my story.  It has been a long, and sometimes, rough journey, but I'm going to keep pushing.  She doesn't always do what I want her to do, but she is mine.  I would love to answer any questions you might have about my journey.  Do NOT hesitate to leave a comment and ask!  I would love to know what you think, and if you need help, I'd be glad to offer any assistance :)

Xo, Ashley.

Do you want to share your natural hair story/journey on Spotlight Monday?

My name is Ashley, and I am a recovering Product Junkie.

Hiii Ashley!

I swear I hear this in my head every time I visit a Target, CVS, whatever!  It's like I can't go in any of these stores without taking a stroll down the hair care section.  However, I am managing to recover from my PJ ways, and I have found products that I absolutely love!  Those marked by *asterisks* are my MUST haves.  They include:

• Conditioner/Detangler: TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner*, Suave Naturals Conditioner*

• Deep Treatments: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask*, Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment*, ORS Hair Mayonnaise*

• Leave ins: TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner*, Kinky-Curly Knot Today*, Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In Cream*, Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner, Infusium 23*, Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream

• Stylers: Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie*, Shea Moisture Curling Gel Souffle, Curly Kinks Twist Whip*

• Oils: Sweet Almond, Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO)***, Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)*, Organic/Extra Virgin Coconut Oil* 
• Gels: Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel*, Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls Gel

• Refreshers: Infusium 23 (mixed with water)*, Shea Moisture Hold & Shine Moisture Mist

Unfortunately, I do have all of these products (merp), however, I do NOT use all of my leave ins, stylers, and oils at the same time.  I use different combinations for certain styles, etc.  I will say that I am on the hunt for a really good shampoo.  Cowashing (conditioner washing) does not always work for me, especially if I have used Eco Styler Gel for the last 3 days before wash day!  I would like to be able to cowash, BUT I feel that cowashing only works if I have little to NO product buildup.  So suggestions for really good shampoos are appreciated :)

Until next time.
Xo, Ashley. 

Are you currently a PJ, or recovering?  What is your must have product?

& Here is the Moment We've ALL Been Waiting For!

It's about damn time, I must say! 

First things first-- I want to thank you for stopping by to my blog, Curls Fo' the Girls.  It's been a long time coming, and I've finally decided to go through with this!  

Thanks to everyone that pushed me, all the questions I've received, all the compliments and things I've learned, here's to you all!

I  created Curls Fo' the Girls as a platform to share my natural hair knowledge, makeup tips, etc. with you all.  I've received a lot of compliments on things I have done with my hair and makeup, and I wanted to create a space that would be my own.  I will try to incorporate as many topics as possible with help from friends and supporters, routines, tips and tricks, and the like!

I'm excited to begin this project with you all, and hope that you all will grow and learn from me.  I also hope to learn and grow from this experience, too!

Now, let the fun begin!

Xo, Ashley.