FINALLY! A MAKEUP TUTORIAL! 3 in 1 GRWM

ft Megalook Hair | EfikZara

Zara is back on CurlyNikki! She’s a fabulous naturalista who shares her natural hair journey with her followers. That includes more than 170K subscribers (aka ZeeStarz) on her EfikZara YouTube channel!

If you’ve been keeping up with the EfikZara videos featured on CurlyNikki each Tuesday, then you know that when it comes to her makeup, Zara slays it – flawlessly! She admits that many of her viewers are always asking about her makeup, and we’re pretty sure you would love to know, too.

It’s why she’s done a “get ready with me” GRWM makeup tutorial video for her YouTube channel, complete with a look at how she styles her MegaLook hair wig. Click to jump to the video!

But, keep scrolling if you’d like a sneak peek of what she shares in this episode. We also have some links to related resources here on CurlyNikki!

GRWM Makeup Tutorial Step by Step

Base, contour, setting powder, highlights, and finishing spray – Zara covers it all as she shows us how she applies each layer of her makeup and gets them to blend in flawlessly with her skin tone.

She then takes us through how she does her eye makeup, including all the attention she loves giving to her natural lashes!

Related article:

What color lipstick is your go-to choice? Is it a burgundy or purple standout color like Zara uses in her simple makeup tutorial?

If you are into more subdued shades, be sure to read Customize Your Nude Lipstick Look for 3 Amazing Everyday Makeup Looks by CurlyNikki’s clean beauty writer Onicia Muller. Her tips and makeup tutorial videos show you how to lighten and darken nude lipstick as well as how to blend in color AND how to get an awesome matte finish!

GRWM Wig Prep

Next up in Zara’s easy makeup tutorial is her getting her wig ready with (she admits it) A LOT of mousse! It’s well worth it, though, since the MegaLook wig she’s featuring (and has owned for years) looks soft, sleek, and shiny with the loose curls she added.

Related articles:

Check out our two recent posts on wearing wigs as a protective style for your natural hair. We’re sure you will find them helpful whether you have never worn wigs but are considering them now or you’ve been wearing wigs for a while.

• Thinking of Using a Wig as A Protective Style? Here Are 7 Awesome Reasons to Go for It!
• Natural Hair Care: Protecting Natural Hair Under a Wig – 12 Fantastic Tips

GRWM Outfit and Final Touches

Lastly, Zara shows off the outfit she’s chosen and confesses to her love of glitter and all that sparkles as she adds holographic glitter to her chest and arms. Sweet!

Now, let’s get right to that makeup tutorial video and see how Zara’s makeup, MegaLook wig, and outfit all come together.

FINALLY!  A MAKEUP TUTORIAL! 3 in 1 GRWM

ft Megalook Hair | EfikZara

A young woman of many talents, Zara (popularly known as EfikZara) is a professional violinist and composer. Aside from her primary career, Zara is a cinematographer with more than 17 years of experience. She is also a passionate healthy hair advocate with over 12 years of experience caring for her natural hair and the natural hair of her loved ones.

Get more hair and beauty tips from Zara on CurlyNikki, HERE!

DMTBeautySpot

via https://dmtbeautyspot.com

Jacqueline Samaroo, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

Photo by Valeriia Kogan on Unsplash

Best Black-Owned Hair Care Brands to Shop in 2022 – Our Ongoing Series!

By Jacqueline Samaroo

Hey, hey! Welcome to CurlyNikki’s ongoing series featuring a mix of well-known and up-and-coming Black-owned hair care brands.

Each has an identity all its own but they are all connected by a common goal: creating Black hair products that will produce the best results for textured hair. A healthy scalp and hair, leading to curls with tons of definition, hydration, and bounce are what these brands are all about.

And, stay tuned –  there are more than 50 companies in the series. We’ll feature a new lineup of Black-owned brands for you each Friday!

Here are the five black-owned hair care brands we are highlighting for you today.

1. Taliah Waajid
2. Adwoa Beauty
3. The Wrap Life
4. Meraki Organics
5. Beauty by Dr°K

Check out our popular post from earlier this year: Black-Owned Businesses: CURLē Beauty Launches Love Your Roots Campaign!

1. Taliah Waajid

Taliah Waajid started her natural hair care business when she was just 14 years old. Her successful brand is, without a doubt, one of the best-known Black-owned hair care brands. It was the first to offer a chemical-free line of natural hair products. It now includes natural hair care, curly hair care, protective styling, and skincare products with several dedicated to children’s hair care. Guys aren’t left out either! Taliah launched Uncle Jimmy Products, a line of hair, beard, and skin products for men in 2018.

Products shoutout:

Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products Jamaican Black Castor Oil

A hair and body product made with castor oil and infused with vitamin E, olive oil, and sunflower oil. Great for rescuing damaged hair and to help fight itching.

Taliah Waajid Green Apple & Aloe Nutrition Hold Me Down! Gelle

A conditioning gel that provides your hair and scalp with vitamins A, B, C, and E as well as fiber, protein, and antioxidants. It’s gentle, alcohol-free, and helps to tame frizzing.

Related articles:

Find out why vitamin E is so good for your hair and get ideas for adding it to your diet:

• Curly Haircare: Vitamin E for Hair Growth – 6 Wonderful Benefits
• Enjoy The Best Sources of Vitamin E for Hair Growth – 8 Tasty Recipes

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2. Adwoa Beauty

Julian Addo founded Adwoa Beauty in 2017. The brand (pronounced ahh – ju-wah) is out to make a name for itself among Black-owned hair care brands and describes itself as “a modern, non-toxic, gender-neutral beauty brand catering to multi-cultural hair textures.” Julian began her hair care journey styling her friends’ hair at age 14 moving on to open her first salon, Creations Plus in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Apart from founding Adwoa Beauty, Julian is also the founder of the popular Bella Kinks natural hair expo.

Products shoutout:

Adwoa Beauty Baomint^TM Collection – Phase 1 Kit

Designed to promote a healthy scalp and hair growth, this collection features a blend of baobab and mint oils. The phase 1 kit includes:

• Deep conditioning treatment
• Leave in conditioning styler
• Baomint moisturizing curl defining cream
• Baomint moisturizing curl defining gel
• Baomint protect + shine oil blend

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3. The Wrap Life

The Wrap Life was founded by Nnenna Stella in the garden apartment of a brownstone in Brooklyn, New York. Another of the best-known Black-owned hair care brands, The Wrap Life celebrates Black women through its West African-inspired designs but emphasizes that “wearing head wraps is for everyone” and encourages “all women and men to use and explore” its products. The Wrap Life’s hair care products include head wraps, turbans, scrunchies, and bandies.

Products shoutout:

The Wrap Life Ribbed Stretch Head Wrap

Comfortable, easy-to-tie head wraps in a variety of earthy colors so you’re sure to find one (or a few) to beautifully complement your skin tone.

The Wrap Life Turbanette

Stretchy headbands made of soft, sleek material that start at 20 inches and stretch for a comfortable fit – no tying necessary. Select from several earth-tone colors.

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4. Meraki Organics

Amber Makupson founded Meraki Organics, a vegan hair care brand, in 2018. Amber had begun making her own natural, healthy remedies and beauty products for a very good reason. She was pregnant with her daughter and wanted to adopt a more holistic lifestyle. As one of the up-and-coming Black-owned hair care brands, Meraki Organics describes itself as the “evolution of hair care,” Meraki Organics. It specializes in bringing you products made with pure botanicals, butters, and oils and infused with gemstones for total skin and hair care.

Products shoutout:

Meraki Organics Rose Quartz Multi-Purpose Glow Oil

Works as both a hair and body oil to seal in moisture, prevent dryness, and soothe itching. Made with a blend of healthful oils and extracts, including argan oil, amla oil, and sweet almond oil.

Meraki Organics Amethyst Curl Primer + Heat Protectant

Protects hair from heat damage while providing intense hydration and fighting frizz. Contains plants gels and resins, as well as Irish moss, bamboo extracts, Rhodiola, and prickly pear.

Related articles:

• What Is Hair Butter? 10 Excellent Hair Butters for Hair Growth!
• Curly Haircare: How Does Almond Oil Help In Hair Growth? 5 Wonderful Benefits
• Ayurveda Haircare: Bhringraj Oil for Hair Growth – 5 Wonderful Benefits
• Neem Oil – 6 Wonderful Facts about This Curly Haircare Ingredient

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5. Beauty by Dr°K

Dr. Kari Williams has a Ph.D. in Trichology (the science of hair loss and disorders of the scalp), is a master braider,  AND the inventor of the goddess locs technique. Her extensive knowledge of hair science and hair beauty come together in her Beauty by Dr°K natural hair care products. Her long list of celebrity clients includes Brandy Norwood, Meagan Good, Willow Smith, and Ava Duvernay.

Products shoutout:

dr°k Comb Out Crème

A multi-use product that works as a detangler, pre-wash hair softener, and leave-in conditioner to help minimize shedding and to keep hair moisturized.

dr°k Daily Spray

Use this non-greasy hydration mist up to 3 times per day and enjoy how its ultra-light formula helps to keep your hair and scalp moisturized when assisting with declogging and nourishing your follicles.

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What are your favorite Black-Owned hair care brands? Let us know!

DMTBeautySpot

via https://dmtbeautyspot.com

Jacqueline Samaroo, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

Photo by Ravi Pinisetti on Unsplash

God Cannot Be Explained. God Can Only Be Lived.

Ep 251 Go(o)d Mornings with CurlyNikki

Go(o)d Morning, beautiful!

Take a while to listen to today’s 6-minute-long check-in and reset from “Go(o)d Mornings with CurlyNikki”!

Join our community of Go(o)d Friends:

Bonus episodes every week:

https://www.patreon.com/goodmornings

Go(o)d Mornings merch:

https://www.patreon.com/goodmornings

**************************

You don’t have to pray for God’s presence, ever.
You never have to ask Love to come to you or reveal Itself to you.
It appears as the darkness behind closed eyes.
It’s appearing as the sound and feel of your heart beating.
It’s appearing as the hands holding that phone, reading these words.
The presence of your breath is the presence of God.
And the presence of God is the presence of everything.
You are this presence.
Aware of the shoulders relaxing.
Aware of the face smiling,
Aware of the body swaying.
Self Aware.

Today’s Quotes: 

“You don’t have to be concerned about demonstrating anything after tonight. You do not have to take thought, or give yourself a treatment for supply.  From now on, your treatment is: “I and the Father are one, and all that the Father hath is mine.”
-Joel Goldsmith

“God dwells in you, as you, and you don’t have to ‘do’ anything to be God-realized or Self realized, it is already your true and natural state.  Just drop all seeking, turn your attention inward, and sacrifice your mind to the One Self radiating in the Heart of your very being.  For this to be your own presently lived experience, Self-Inquiry is the one direct and immediate way.”
-Sri Ramana Maharshi

“God cannot be explained, He cannot be argued about, He cannot be theorized, nor can He be discussed and understood. God can only be lived.  Therefore, the GOAL is to realize the Reality and attain the “I am God” state in human form.”
-Meher Baba, God Speaks

“God is everywhere and does everything. God is within us and knows everything. God is without us and sees everything. God is beyond us and IS everything.
God alone IS.”
-Meher Baba

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/goodmornings)

I Love you,
Nik
nikki@curlynikki.com

If you want to help me out, please subscribe, review and share with someone that needs it! Let’s start a new morning routine, a dope self-care ritual, together, TODAY, and everyday weekday morning at 7 am ET!

**10% of revenue generated from this podcast will be donated to “Showering Love” a non-profit organization that restores good mornings, dignity, hope, and health to people experiencing homelessness by providing showers and other supportive services.

God Cannot Be Explained. God Can Only Be Lived.

Go(o)d Mornings with CurlyNikki

DMTBeautySpot

via https://dmtbeautyspot.com

Jacqueline Samaroo, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

Photo by Daniel Bernard on Unsplash

You don’t need to go #1. You ARE #1.

Ep 244 Go(o)d Mornings with CurlyNikki

Go(o)d Morning, beautiful!

Take a while to listen to today’s 9-minute-long check-in and reset from “Go(o)d Mornings with CurlyNikki”!

Join our community of Go(o)d Friends:

BONUS EPISODES + get Go(o)d merch

Join the ongoing Go(o)d Mornings Challenge (we renew our intention every Monday!)

**************************

Nicki Minaj tweeted, “Y’all. Let’s start by saying: I don’t need to go #1. I AM #1. There’s a difference.”  Let’s meditate on the omnipresence of ‘I’. The One, without a second. The One who isn’t in competition with any other One because there’s only One.

Today’s Quotes:

“You’ve  been taught  to  practice  Presence.    I  ask  you  to  practice  the  Omnipresence.    The  presence  is everywhere  and  you  can  only  practice  it  everywhere.    You  cannot  practice  it  in  a  spot.    The moment  you  practice,  I  am  God  Here,  and  over  there  is  a  dictator,  over  there  is a congressman,  over  there  is  a  politician,  over  there  is  a  journalist;  but  here  am  I,  you’re  not practicing  Omnipresence,  you’re  practicing  self-glory,  self-indulgence,  self-righteousness;  and so  the  hardest  part  is  to  practice  the  every-where-ness  of  I.    And  that  includes  a  lot  of  places you’d rather not  see  I  in a  human mind.  And  so  you  rise  above  that  judgment  and  condemnation  and  limitation  and malpractice.  There  stands  I.    I  don’t  care  what  form  or  shape  it  appears  in  human  sense,  there stands  I.    And  so  you  have  I  everywhere.    You’re  opening  the  door  of  consciousness  to  I everywhere.    And  that’s  why  justice  is  over  there  because  I  am  over  there.    That’s  why  quality is  over  there,  because  I  am  over  there.   And  abundance  is  right  where  the  lack  is  because  I  am over there.   Always  you see  no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, because  all  there  is, is  I…”
-Herb Fitch, Mystical I Talk 1

“All the money in the world is mine. Even the money in America.”
-Maharajji

“Now when God plays hide and seek and pretends that he is you and I, he does it so well that it takes him a long time to remember where and how he hid himself. But that’s the whole fun of it – just what he wanted to do. He doesn’t want to find himself too quickly, for that would spoil the game. That is why it is so difficult for you and me to find out that we are God in disguise, pretending not to be himself.
But when the game has gone on long enough, all of us will wake up, stop pretending, and remember that we are all one single Self – the God who is all that there is and who lives for ever and ever.”
-Alan Watts

Support the show (https://cash.app/$NikWalton)

I Love you,
Nik
nikki@curlynikki.com

If you want to help me out, please subscribe, review and share with someone that needs it! Let’s start a new morning routine, a dope self-care ritual, together, TODAY, and everyday weekday morning at 7 am ET!

**10% of revenue generated from this podcast will be donated to “Showering Love” a non-profit organization that restores good mornings, dignity, hope, and health to people experiencing homelessness by providing showers and other supportive services.

You don’t need to go #1. You ARE #1.

Go(o)d Mornings with CurlyNikki

DMTBeautySpot

via https://dmtbeautyspot.com

Jacqueline Samaroo, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

Scalp Care: Detox/Unclog Your Scalp

for Extreme Growth and Volume | EfikZara

Zara is back on CurlyNikki! She’s a fabulous naturalista who shares her natural hair journey with her followers. That includes more than 170K subscribers (aka ZeeStarz) on her EfikZara YouTube channel!

Watch as Zara opens up about her dedication to scalp care as a vital part of her natural haircare routine. She takes her characteristic scientific yet easy-to-understand approach as she explains the structure of scalp skin, issues that can affect the scalp, and the best ways to care for your scalp if it tends to be either oily or dry.

Keep scrolling and reading as we highlight a few scalp facts and some benefits of scalp care OR feel free to JUMP TO THE VIDEO!

Five Scalp Facts

The skin of the scalp is very much like the skin found on other areas of the body but it does have its own unique properties. Here are five good-to-know facts about the scalp as you embark on taking the best care of your scalp.

1. Bacteria and other microorganisms naturally live on human skin, including the skin of the scalp. Collectively, they are called your skin flora or skin microbiota.
2. Your skin flora usually causes no harm, instead, they either have no effect on you or are actually beneficial for your skin and your general health.
3. Scalp skin flora is generally not as diverse as the range of microorganisms found on other parts of the skin.
4. Microorganisms on the scalp can be the cause of some scalp conditions. Take dandruff and its more severe form (seborrhoeic dermatitis), for example. They have been shown to be the result of increased activity of a specific type of fungus on the scalp.
5. The scalp is actually more than just skin. The skin of the scalp is just one of five layers that make up the scalp.

Check out our recent articles on the scalp, scalp care, and scalp issues:

8 Common Causes of Dry Scalp Plus Easy Ways to Tell It’s Not Dandruff

• 5 Great Reasons You Need Sun Protection for Hair and Scalp Care
• 10 Important Scalp Care Tips for Healthy Scalp and Hair
• The Best Treatment for Dry Scalp and Hair – 10 Products that Work!
• Best Treatment for Dry Scalp – 5 DIY Remedies
• How to Treat Dry Scalp – 6 Simple and Effective Lifestyle Changes

Benefits of Scalp Care

When we think of a healthy scalp, it is the benefits it brings for hair growth that usually come to mind. Here are some ways in which your hair thrives when your scalp is in great condition:

• A clean scalp has anti-aging effects. It promotes cell turnover, getting rid of older cells and allowing newer ones to thrive at the surface.
• A healthy scalp is better able to ward off infection, keeping the microbiota of the scalp at optimal levels.
• A healthy scalp is more resistant to wear and tear. It is also better able to heal itself in case of damage.
• A clean and healthy scalp is less susceptible to becoming overly dry or oily. This helps to ensure that the hair growing from the scalp is sufficiently lubricated and that the hair follicles have sufficient nutrients.

Hey, if you’re loving Zara’s skin and makeup as much as we are, be sure to check out her channel. She also has a bunch of videos where she shares beauty and makeup tips, tricks, and techniques!

Now, let’s get to that scalp detox video!

Scalp Care: Detox/Unclog Your Scalp for Extreme Growth and Volume

A young woman of many talents, Zara (popularly known as EfikZara) is a professional violinist and composer. Aside from her primary career, Zara is a cinematographer with more than 17 years of experience. She is also a passionate healthy hair advocate with over 12 years of experience caring for her natural hair and the natural hair of her loved ones.

Get more hair and beauty tips from Zara on CurlyNikki, HERE!

DMTBeautySpot

via https://dmtbeautyspot.com

Jacqueline Samaroo, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

Photo by Chad Madden on Unsplash

Best Dandruff Shampoo for Curly Hair – Top 10 List!

Looking to break free of the itching, scratching, and flaking that are characteristic symptoms of dandruff? The thing with dandruff is that those symptoms can vary widely from person to person. They run the gamut – from mild itching to “my scalp’s on fire!” and from just a few flakes to shoulders that look like snowy mountain tops.

It’s why finding the best dandruff shampoo for curly hair can’t come down to just one product. It’s exactly why our list includes options for severe symptoms and ones for milder dandruff issues, too. You’ll find our picks of the best dandruff shampoo for colored hair, the best dandruff shampoo for oily hair, and much more. So, jump right in!

For more on scalp care and resolving scalp health issues, read these recent CurlyNikki posts:

• 10 Important Scalp Care Tips for Healthy Scalp and Hair
• Best Treatment for Dry Scalp – 5 DIY Remedies
• How to Treat Dry Scalp – 6 Simple and Effective Lifestyle Changes

For more scalp care advice, here’s what popular YouTuber EfikZara has to say: 7 Amazing Hair Hacks for Natural Long Hair Growth by Zara.

Best Dandruff Shampoo for Curly Hair – Top 10

Here’s a quick look at the ten dandruff-fighting shampoos we have picked out. Click to jump to each one for a list of its beneficial ingredients as well as our notes on why it made the list.

1. Best Overall – Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
2. Best for Color-Treated Hair – Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Color Shampoo
3. Best for Detoxifying – SheaMoisture African Black Soap Shampoo
4. Best for Oily Scalp – Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
5. Best Naturally Derived Option – Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
6. Best 2-in-1 Formula – Jason Dandruff Relief 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner
7. Best Cowash – Head and Shoulders Royal Oils Moisturizing CoWash
8. Best Vegan Option – WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
9. Best Dandruff Shampoo Bar – Ethique Heali Kiwi Shampoo for Dandruff
10. Best for Itch Relief – Design Essentials Therapeutics Anti-Itch Shampoo

1. Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

(Best Overall)

Ingredients shoutout: Ketoconazole 1%

Why it made our list: Ketoconazole is a clinically-proven antifungal ingredient that helps fight even the most stubborn dandruff symptoms. Plus, this shampoo has a pleasant, refreshing scent instead of the medicinal smell you might expect from one of the strongest OTC dandruff shampoos on the market.

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2. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Color Shampoo

     (Best for Color-Treated Hair)

Ingredients shoutout: Tea tree oil, peppermint, and rooibos extracts

Why it made our list: Although this Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Color Shampoo gets the nod as the best dandruff shampoo for colored hair, it’s our pick for the best dandruff shampoo for dry hair, too! Its moisture-rich formula has plenty of antioxidants to help fight and repair cell damage. And, its impressive ingredients have combined antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties to treat the cause and symptoms of dandruff.

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3. SheaMoisture African Black Soap Shampoo

 (Best for Detoxifying)

Ingredients shoutout: African black soap, bamboo charcoal, tea tree oil, and shea butter

Why it made our list: Exfoliating and detoxifying your scalp are two important steps when it comes to taming the symptoms of dandruff. The ingredients in this deep cleansing shampoo do both, making it a very good choice as a shampoo for curly hair with dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis symptoms, too.

 

Never thought of charcoal as something you’d put in your hair? Get all the details about how charcoal works as a natural haircare ingredient: Curly Haircare Ingredients: 5 Surprising Benefits of Activated Charcoal for Hair Growth.

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4. Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

(Best for Oily Scalp)

Ingredients shoutout: Pyrithione zinc, coconut water, and lime juice

Why it made our list: The pyrithione zinc fights the fungus that causes dandruff while the coconut water and lime juice help to hydrate and nourish your scalp. They also assist with keeping your scalp pH-balanced to counter the growth of more micro-organisms.

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5. Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

(Best Naturally Derived Option)

Ingredients shoutout: Coconut oil, panthenol, Binchotan charcoal, and a peppermint, spearmint and tea tree oil complex 

Why it made our list: This exfoliating and moisturizing dandruff shampoo is a very good choice if you are seeking the best natural dandruff shampoo that shows impressive results after just a few uses. For even faster results, use the three-step system that includes this shampoo, a hair mask, and a scalp treatment.

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6. Jason Dandruff Relief 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner

  (Best 2-in-1 Formula)

Ingredients shoutout: Pyrithione zinc, jojoba oil, and plant protein 

Why it made our list: With pyrithione zinc listed as its active ingredient, you know this medicated combo will help to treat scalp conditions such as mild psoriasis and scalp dermatitis. It’s the best dandruff shampoo and conditioner for you if you like getting through the process of washing your hair as quickly as possible while still seeing very good results in decreasing your dandruff symptoms.

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7. Head and Shoulders Royal Oils Moisturizing CoWash

(Best Cowash)

Ingredients shoutout: Pyrithione zinc and coconut oil

Why it made our list: Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place! The symptoms of dandruff may make you feel the need to wash your hair more often BUT regular shampooing can be particularly drying and damaging to curly hair. That’s where cowashes, aka cleansing conditioners, like this dandruff-fighting selection from Head & Shoulders come into the picture.

Cleansing conditioners are a wonderful way to clean your hair and scalp between washdays. They can also help if you are looking to set your washdays further apart for whatever reason. Find out about some really awesome cowash options, here: Natural Hair Care: 10 Amazing Cleansing Conditioners for Curly Hair.

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8. WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

(Best Vegan Option)

Ingredients shoutout: Apple cider vinegar, sweet almond oil, saw palmetto, and nettle leaf extract

Why it made our list: It’s good to know that this shampoo fights dandruff with “100% vegan botanicals”. That makes it not just the best vegan option on our list but also one of your best natural dandruff shampoo options. It also leaves your curls smoother, shinier, and healthy-looking.

Here’s a look at how apple cider vinegar and baking soda can contribute to your natural haircare routine: Baking Soda and ACV – Are They Really Good for Natural Hair?

Texture hair thrives on oils like almond oil as our recent post explains: Curly Haircare: How Does Almond Oil Help In Hair Growth? 5 Wonderful Benefits.

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9. Ethique Heali Kiwi Shampoo for Dandruff

(Best Dandruff Shampoo Bar)

Ingredients shoutout: Kiwifruit oil, neem oil, coconut oil, karanja oil, and oatmeal

Why it made our list: Apart from being vegan and all-natural, this dandruff shampoo bar is also the most eco-friendly option on our list. It comes in plastic-free packaging and gives you the peace of mind of also knowing you aren’t having to pay for any water content in your shampoo – 1 bar of this dandruff shampoo gives you 80 uses and equals three bottles of liquid shampoo.

Neem has been used in Ayurvedic haircare for centuries thanks to its many beneficial and healthful properties. Learn all about neem oil and why it’s so good for curly haircare: Neem Oil – 6 Wonderful Facts about This Curly Haircare Ingredient.

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10. Design Essentials Therapeutics Anti-Itch Shampoo

(Best for Itch Relief)

Ingredients shoutout: Pyrithione zinc, aloe vera, and peppermint oil

Why it made our list: Aloe vera is well-known for its moisturizing and soothing properties. It combines with the antifungal strength of pyrithione zinc to alleviate the symptoms of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (a more severe and chronic form of dandruff).  Add the cooling effect of peppermint oil and you’ll see why this is often the answer when you’re wondering what shampoos are good for dandruff with persistent itching.

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Did your favorite dandruff shampoo for curly hair make our list? Let us know!

DMTBeautySpot

via https://dmtbeautyspot.com

Jacqueline Samaroo, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

Cricket Black History Now

Fostering Community and Connectivity with Cricket Wireless

It’s February, the annual 28-day, time-honored tradition where we *officially* engage in celebrating Black History, remembering the sacrifices, and reveling in the innovations from the past. But we high key celebrate Black History 365, knowing we are exploring, evolving, and elevating, right here, right now. As we look at the present contributions by today’s pioneers (hello, first Black and South Asian American Woman Vice President of the U.S.!), we are watching Black history in the making!

As with history, the modern pioneer hits a fair share of challenges, none more currently top of mind than the COVID-19 pandemic. Since it began, small Black businesses have been hit hardest, according to the Federal Reserve Bank, with ownership dropping by 41%, as compared to 22% of overall small businesses in the U.S. between February and April of 2020 alone.

Yet, where there are challenges, there are also opportunities. Black owned businesses are showing they can bring in big bank from venture capital funding, and broker deals with major brands. And it’s that access, coupled with connection and community, that’s been the major key to it all. Helping to lead the charge are three Black women entrepreneurs, for whom connection is essential for their businesses. Cricket Wireless wants to spotlight Tai Beauchamp, Abena Boamah, and Andrea Lewis, who are each focused on inspiring, engaging, and creating change year-round. Read more on how they’re writing the next chapter of Black History now. 

Tai Beauchamp

 

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A post shared by Tai Beauchamp (@taibeau)

 A publishing industry veteran, Tai Beauchamp has experience as an editor at top publications, including Harper’s Bazaar, Good Housekeeping, O, The Oprah Magazine and Seventeen—where she made history as the magazine’s youngest and first African American beauty and fitness director. In 2006, she launched her media company, Tai Life Media, LLC to holistically connect style and empowerment, and has since worked with consumer brands including P&G, Walmart, Estée Lauder, Christian Dior Cosmetics, and Time Inc. 

Tai, on staying connected to her community: 

“It’s Black History Month, so I’ve been (reflecting) about what it took for me to get here—but I’m also celebrating where I’m at today… This is our time! I get excited knowing I have amazing women in my corner—especially my two co-founders. Shout out to my partner Malaika who is on speed dial and (who) I speak to at least 8 times a day. We motivate each other, inspire each other, we’ve shared tears, laughs, and smiles, but most importantly we share in the desire to build businesses that mirror our purpose and passion.”

Abena Boamah

 

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A post shared by Abena Boamah (@beanieboamah)

Abena Boamah is the Founder and CEO of Hanahana Beauty, a consciously clean, Black-owned skincare, beauty + wellness brand. Her work has been recognized by Beyonce and Vogue. She is driven by curating learning experiences focused on holistic wellness and showcasing stories of black women globally through visual content creation. Abena has presented and partnered with brands/schools like Harvard University, Instagram, Nike, Apple, Glossier, and more.  

Abena, on the importance of building online community:

“When I think about my journey of entrepreneurship, honestly, I’ve always been inspired by black entrepreneurs from the beginning ‘til now. These creators (and) innovators… continue to inspire me to grow. At the end of the day, it’s always (about) creating your own community + supporting the people within. Every entrepreneur should have a group chat or a person they feel comfortable sharing their wins, struggles, and reasons to smile.”

Andrea Lewis

 

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A post shared by Andrea Lewis (@andrealewis)

Toronto-born Andrea Lewis has acted alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Diahann Carroll, Wesley Snipes and Dr. Maya Angelou. Lewis spent 6 seasons as “Hazel” on the hit show Degrassi: The Next Generation, which ranked No. 1 in Canada and the U.S. The role in Degrassi landed her in the pages of Teen People, the New York Times, and Entertainment Weekly. Lewis started Jungle Wild Productions, where she created the hit web series, “Black Actress”, and the fan-favorite relationship drama, “Beyond Complicated”. Both seasons can be watched at youtube.com/AndreaLewisChannel. 

Andrea, on getting advice and inspiration: 

“I get to make content, tell positive Black stories, and connect with audiences for a living. I’m so fortunate for the community of like-minded artists and entrepreneurs that I have around me who answer my texts at 2 am, and bounce ideas around with me and give me the advice I need to help grow my business, support my community and continue to create.”

Whether it be receiving a text from a mentor to “keep going” or a brainstorming thread with one’s closest creative confidantes, it’s these interactions—revealing moments of joy, support, and deep connection—that are small yet powerful reminders that sometimes a simple smile goes a long way. 

Cricket’s commitment to fostering connectivity allows Black pioneers and change makers to not only make meaningful connections—but also impactful decisions—for their businesses now and in the future. These pivotal experiences, by way of our screens, will continue to ensure we elevate their stories, amplify their voices, and continue our legacy during Black History Month and beyond. 

Check out more empowering articles on CurlyNikki: HERE!

DMTBeautySpot

via https://dmtbeautyspot.com

Jacqueline Samaroo, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

Photo by Zbyněk Skrčený on Unsplash

Affirm: “All is Well, and I am Thriving”

Ep 237 Go(o)d Mornings with CurlyNikki

Go(o)d Morning, beautiful!

Take a while to listen to today’s 7-minute-long check-in and reset from “Go(o)d Mornings with CurlyNikki”!

Join our free community of Go(o)d Friends:

Subscribe here to share Love + get Go(o)d merch

Join the ongoing Go(o)d Mornings Challenge (we renew our intention every Monday!)

**************************

Feel your heart opening as you read these words.
Feel your face smiling.
Now, go straight to the feeling-experience of “all is well”.
How does it feel to know that “all is well”?
Go straight to the feeling-experience of “thriving.”
In this moment,
and this one,
and this one,
and this one,
you’re thriving.
Stay here and wait for life to catch up.

Today’s Quotes:

“Everything through this point in my life has found a way.
And that was when I wasn’t ‘even operating at my best.
Which is how I know that everything I’m tussling with now will also find its way.
Even better than before, considering this new space of alignment.
I trust in my Divine unfolding.
I will not boggle my mind with unnecessary noise.
If I were to be stripped of all thought,
I’d be left with tranquility and peace. Thats my natural disposition.
All is well,
and I’m thriving.
This is my new truth. ”
-@sourcemessages via IG

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
-Psalm 37:4

I Love you and I’m with you!
Nik
nikki@curlynikki.com

If you want to help me out, please subscribe, review and share with someone that needs it! Let’s start a new morning routine, a dope self-care ritual, together, TODAY, and everyday weekday morning at 7 am ET!

**10% of revenue generated from this podcast will be donated to “Showering Love” a non-profit organization that restores good mornings, dignity, hope, and health to people experiencing homelessness by providing showers and other supportive services.

Affirm: “All is Well, and I am Thriving”

Go(o)d Mornings with CurlyNikki

DMTBeautySpot

via https://dmtbeautyspot.com

Jacqueline Samaroo, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

This is the third in a six-part series featuring real Black women and their thoughts about their natural hair. Join us each Monday (until the end of February) to celebrate our natural Black hair and ALL that it means in our lives. We hope these stories help you to enjoy a feeling of empowerment about your coily, wavy, or curly hair no matter how you choose to wear it!

My Natural Hair Journey: Rebecca’s Story –

I Think My Hair Has Seen It All!

I’m of mixed African and Indian heritage. I have multi-textured hair — somewhere between types 3B and 3C — with tighter curls at the front and looser ones at the back.

My hair is naturally thick and plentiful and, since I was a child, I’ve hated combing it or having it combed. Wash days, in particular, were an ordeal I definitely did not look forward to. I would have done anything to avoid those post-wash detangling sessions, with my mother trying to comb through the inevitable knots and tangles.

My hair is naturally thick and plentiful and, since I was a child, I’ve hated combing it or having it combed.

Chemically relaxing my hair to make it more manageable seemed to be the best solution and I began doing so before I was even 10 years old. Though I must admit, even while I had relaxed hair, I still hated combing it and didn’t take good care of it at all! I was also never one to style my hair either; most of the time, I either went with a low ponytail or my loose locks. I suppose I was quite blessed since my hair remained healthy regardless of my indifferent treatment of it.

I regularly relaxed my hair until early 2019 when I was 17, going on 18. At that time, I had a major hairstyling faux pas of relaxing and bleaching my hair on the same day. Even for hair as thick and healthy as mine, it was a mistake that left my hair in a horrid state. It became very frizzy and began falling out much more than usual, at (what seemed to me, at least) an alarming rate.

Related article: The Top 10 (Fixable) Things That Damage Natural Hair

Chemically relaxing my hair to make it more manageable seemed to be the best solution and I began doing so before I was even 10 years old.

After a few months of worrying myself sick and unsuccessfully trying to salvage my fried locks, I decided I would stop relaxing it and instead grow out my natural hair to a decent length before finally doing the big chop at the end of 2020. My relaxed hair was already a goner so I decided to just have fun with it before I inevitably cut it all off. And that I did!

Throughout 2020, before embarking on my natural hair journey, I bleached the already-fried portion of my hair multiple times and dyed it four different colors. In December, I had it all cut off so I was left with just my natural hair.

Related article: 6 Natural Ways to Color Natural Hair

[My hair] became very frizzy and began falling out much more than usual, at (what seemed to me, at least) an alarming rate.

I didn’t feel any particularly strong emotions about the actual act of the big chop but it definitely felt good to have a fresh start. Having dealt with the horror of my hair going from healthy to irreparably damaged almost overnight, I have a much better appreciation for it now and try to take better care of it.

Related articles:

• 10 Ways to Make Transitioning to Natural Hair Easier
• Thinking of Shaving Off Your Natural Hair? Read This First!
• The New Big Chop- Taking Care of Your Short Natural Hair After Cutting It!

I am learning a great deal about how to care for my hair, thanks to all the natural hair information that’s out there. I use protective styling a lot, wearing my hair in twists and plaits when I am home and sleeping in a bonnet to protect it at night. I must admit, though, that some days I still simply can’t be bothered!

Are you on your own natural hair journey? Take our fun quiz to find out how your hair care routine could be affecting the health of your hair!

I can see a big difference in it, though, now that my wild days of chemical processing and radical color treatments are behind me. I am enjoying curls that are well-defined and healthy-looking. I think, I can truly say I love my hair but, don’t get me wrong – to me, it is still just hair.

I don’t judge other women by theirs, whether natural or processed, jet black or emerald green, bone straight or the tightest of coils. I don’t think any woman should be judged by her hair – neither in casual nor professional settings. There is so much more to us!

Having dealt with the horror of my hair going from healthy to irreparably damaged almost overnight, I have a much better appreciation for it now and try to take better care of it.

 

Rebecca Samaroo is an Arts Management student and freelance writer who enjoys researching and writing in a wide variety of niches. When not hard at work, she enjoys her downtime cooking, video gaming, and listening to K-Pop.

DMTBeautySpot

via https://dmtbeautyspot.com

Jacqueline Samaroo, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,