Some like it dirty.

It’s no secret that day three or four hair is absolutely magical. Something comes over your curls and they just seem to spiral perfectly. Though we know that old hair styles better, there’s a theory that “dirty” natural hair also grows faster, which is absolutely a case by case situation. For some, a dirty scalp leads to inflammation, which can lead to thinning and baldness. However, other curlies swear by a once a month wash or less frequent shampooing.

What works for you? 

To maintain healthy hair, following a clean diet of lean proteins and fruits and vegetables is a must, but you can also incorporate some amazing supplements that pamper your mane from the inside out.

1. Dr. Venessa’s Formulas – Anti-Aging 3 Collagen, Drvenessa.com

Deets: Collagen is the support structure for our skin and it gives hair a healthier appearance. It also helps with hair thinning and hair loss.

2. Acai powder, Vitaminshoppe.com

Deets: This Amazon superfood is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. Rich in antioxidants, healthy omega fats and amino acids, acai helps maintain luscious locks and boost shine.

3. Knox Gelatin, Walmart

Deets: If your hair has endured any kind of trauma, protein is exactly what you need to re-build and restore.  Knox Gelatin is an easy and inexpensive way to get a quick shot of protein. Add it to your favorite smoothie.

4. Liquid vitamin B, Vitacost.com

Deets: We’ve always linked B vitamins to energy, but did you know that B5 directly affects the metabolism of the scalp? The result is hair growth.

Find a pool this weekend. That’s a direct order. If you’re worried about protecting your precious curls from the dangers of chlorine, here’s how to save your strands from breakage.

Saturate your hair before getting in the pool. Our strands expand and suck in whatever liquid we immerse them in at the time, so do quick rinse and a little co-washing before your dip.

Do use conditioner. This doesn’t completely keep all chlorine out, but it creates a small barrier and inhibits large amounts of chlorine from terrorizing your kinks.

Wash immediately. Don’t sip margaritas for five hours before washing your hair. Well, DO sip margaritas for five hours, just wash your hair before doing that.

Use a clarifying shampoo. If you really want to be sure that you’ve rinsed out all of the chlorine, invest in a good clarifying shampoo. Hair Rules Grapefruit Purifying Shampoo is pretty awesome.

Pull it up. Curly common sense. If you’re really just going to be in the pool to be cute, work your trusty top knot and obnoxiously big shades.

Cheers to the freakin’ weekend.

Along with maturity and job stability, the late twenties gifts men something else – receding hairlines. The sudden hair loss can be quite annoying, but here are a few cures to keep you from getting that final cut.

Natural gurus can find comfort in supplements like saw palmetto, the extract of the fruit Serenoa repens. It’s rich in fatty acids and has been known to block DHT production – a major cause of hair loss. Zinc and Beta-sitosterol, a natural ingredient, have also been found to assist with hair loss, while also promoting a healthy prostate. Who doesn’t need that?

Propecia, a prescription medicine used to treat male pattern hair loss, is also an option. The drug is to be used for thinning or baldness at middle of the scalp, but has not been very effective in assisting with hair re-growth at the temples or hairline.

Jamaican black castor oil is also a godsend. Though it’s a bit greasy, we’d suggest rubbing on a little every morning and eve. You should also use stimulating shampoos containing peppermint, eucalyptus or tea tree to encourage the scalp to grow new follicles.

Is your boy toy balding?

Check out Tina’s tips to getting this gorgeous “tuck & roll” style.

Sometimes it’s the simplest styles that make the greatest statement. This style is quick, easy and protective, with low manipulation. It leaves you feeling like a sophisticated beauty. – Tina 

1. Using your favorite moisturizer, apply to your hair to revive your mane.
2. If you have a lot of hair volume, use bobby pins to pin around head and reduce the bulk.
3. Place a headband around your head. Use any color and texture you prefer. Leave on your forehead for more of a bohemian look.
4. Tuck and fold the sides and the back of your hair into the straps of the headband. Voila! You are done.
5.  For a video tutorial of this look, click here

Follow Tina aka MissT1806 on Youtube, Instagram and Twitter.

Bangs always seem to creep their way back into spring and summer. Makes sense, considering that they’re whimsical and girlishly stylish. Natural hair bangs help frame the face and gives your curls a definite shape. They can reinvent your formless ‘fro and add some character to an otherwise boring crop of curls. Here are a few simple tips to cutting and maintaining your own bangs. We’ve also included a fun gallery. Get banged!

1. Your bang width should span the length of the edge of one eye brow to the other.

2. Bangs are deceiving, so if you really want thickness, your bang should start about 3 – 4 inches back.

3. Don’t cut your hair when it’s wet or straight. You should cut your bangs when they’re dry and in the style you typically wear. Wet = short, disastrous  bangs. Straight hair = short, uneven bangs.

4. Don’t do a blunt cut. Instead, stretch your curls forward and cut vertically to add depth and layers.

5. Revive your bangs in the morning with Shea Radiance Moisturizing Hair Milk. Shea Radiance was featured in Volume I of curlBOX Natural.

Werk. This is Naoj from Natural Splendor. Check her out at @splendor_life.

We’re currently accepting fabulous how-tos to feature on the curlBLOG!

Guidelines for submissions:

• No longer than 300 words.
• Must send three photos: front, back, side
• Must include a two sentence lead-in on why you love your featured style.
• Hi-Five (For easier styles): Must include 5 easy tips to achieving the style.
• Lucky Seven (For more complex styles): Must include 7 easy tips to achieving the style.
• Must spell check. Error-ridden pieces won’t be accepted.
• Style must be haute. No exceptions.
• Accepted features are chosen by the curlBLOG editor & crew.

Please send submissions to editor@curlbox.com

Check out this cutesy hair how-to from Geraldine Ferrer.

“Personally, I love this style because it is fun, classy and versatile—I like to refer to it as pin-up meets rockstar! This style one of my favorites because it is a simple and creative way to revive an old twist-out or braid-out! Thus, if you’re looking to spruce up those older twist-out or braid-out curls, this style is for you!”

1. To achieve the shiny curl definition of this style, you will need to make sure your hair is thoroughly moisturized.  To begin, dampen your entire head using a spray bottle filled with water and aloe vera juice.  It is not necessary to drench your hair for this step.

2. Next, pour an oil of your choice (i.e. coconut or olive oil) into the palm of your hands and distribute it throughout your entire head in small sections to seal in the moisture while avoiding frizz.

3. Afterwards, you’ll want to side part your hair and flat twist the smaller parted section going towards the back of your head.  Once, you’ve completed the flat twist you may pin it in place.

4. Now, take the end of that flat twist and French roll it up and around the other side of your head to pin it in place.

5. Next, take a medium-sized section in the front part of this half of your head and twist it in a downward motion from root to tip.

6. Now, take this twist and swoop it around your head to join it with the flat twist you’ve already pinned.  Pin it in place.

7. For the final look, fluff your curls and smooth your edges using a soft-bristle brush or your hands.  Feel free to pair this style with a leather jacket or a flirty lipstick for a fun night out of town!

Check out this adorable hair how-to from Ashley Odom.

“I love my signature twist out because it describes me, full and fierce!!! It gives me the power to embrace my “natural state of mind” in a way that very few can.” – Ashley Odom

1. Detangle your hair into sections using a Tangle Teezer before washing with your favorite shampoo.
2. Apply a mixture of Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner and coconut oil to each section as you begin to twist.
3. Create your front part as desired and two strand twist in medium-sized sections from root to tip. As you finish each twist, roll the ends with a perm rod.
4. Allow the hair to air dry as much as possible. If you will be untwisting the hair the next day, sleep in a satin bonnet.
5. Carefully untwist and separate each strand. Fluff the hair as needed and ROCK IT!

Blog: http://naturallymeashley.tumblr.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/naturallymebyashley

Instagram: @DeepImpact403

Twitter: @DeepImpact403

What do you think?

This week’s haute hair submission comes from Jonna Scott-Blake, Creator/Editor in Chief of Naturally-Glam.com.

“I came up with this updo style because I was attending a formal event and wanted something simple but elegant. I think this style is great for a special event or even a wedding, but not too over-the-top for every day.” – Jonna

1. Divide your hair into three sections – a bang section, a middle section and a back section.
2. Put the middle section of your hair into a tight ponytail at the very top of your head.
3. Put the back section of your hair into another tight ponytail right behind the first ponytail you created.
4. Divide each ponytail in half and two-strand twist each half for a total of four two-strand twists.
5. Criss-cross the two-strand twists along the center of your head for a half faux hawk effect and pin into place with hair pins.
6. Shape the bang section into a pompadour and secure with hair pins.
7. Use gel or pomade to slick up your edges and the back of your hair.

Here are the many ways you can connect with Jonna.

Website: http://Naturally-Glam.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/NaturallyGlamTV
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NaturallyGlam
Twitter @NaturallyGlamTV
Instagram @NaturallyGlam