British Curlies

Natural Curls

Curly Girl by Lorraine Massey

by British Curlies

Lorraine Massey a British Curlie now living in America wrote this book with Deborah Chiel which many consider a must have for any girl with Curls.

Overall British Curlies will find a lot to like in this great tome to Curly Hair. Way before the industry ever looked at Curly Hair as beautiful and desirable Lorriane Masseys' Curly Girl The Handbook chartered this unknown terrain  giving sound advice and created a movement, a sisterhood for all girls with naturally curly hair.

Her Chapter on Type 4 Curls is outdated but there are still a few pearls of wisdom to be gathered there. This book was afterall written in 2002 and the Curly Hair movement has grown tremendously since then.

The foundation of the book is the no-poo method of caring for your curls. Lorraine advocated that in order to have fabulous curls one must avoid shampooing or cut it back severly. Please bear in mind that again this was back in 2002 when there were virtually no shampoos available that were gentle on curly hair. Some Curlies have had amazing success following this method but we say your hair will benefit from using a gentle cleanser to remove product build up and to keep your scalp clean, you just don't need to shampoo your curls with high frequency. However at the end of the day each Curly Head is unique and each will respond to different approaches, the good thing to remember is there are no strict regimens only you will know your curls and what works best for you

One of the best sections of the book gives some great home remedies for do it yourself treats. Here are a few samples of what to expect inside, where possible we have added where to source supplies:

Curl Refreshers
Lavender Mist

½ Gallon Distilled water go to http://www.bobbys-healthy-shop.co.uk
5 Drops pure lavender essential oil
3 Empty Spray Bottles (Sally’s Beauty Supply Stores stock these)

In a large container combine the distilled water with the essential oil of Lavender. Then carefully pour into your spray bottles, a funnel may prove useful.
That’s it spritz your curls to revive when needed. You could also use as a linen spray or room refresher!

Glisten to Me
A gentle , all natural hair spray that gives curls extra dimension and shine.
Vegetable Glycerine
Distilled water
1 Empty spray bottle
Combine equal parts of glycerine and water in a spray bottle and mix. Spray whenever your hair looks dull or needs a quick pick-me-up.

British Curlies Quick tip: You can add your favourite essentials oils for scent and a few drops of peppermint or Tea Tree essential Oils to prevent bacteria forming.

Curls from Ipanema
The potato starch –peach combination strengthens and revitalizes damaged , dry or dull hair.
3-4 Medium Sized Potatoes
2 Cups water
1 Peach (peeled)
First peel and wash potatoes then cut them into chunks. Add water and refrigerate overnight in a covered bowl. The next day , drain the water and save. (Discard the potatoes or add salt and pepper and cook for dinner). Puree the peach , then mix well with the potato water. Apply the mixture to your curls and comb it through. Leave on for 20 -30 minutes. Rinse with water and style as usual.

If you have any great Home Remedies we would love to hear them.