Trust & Believe: These Finds Will Help Revive Your Second-Day Curls
If there's one thing we know, it's that the relationship between a naturalista and her mane is filled with outstanding highs and sometimes embarrassing lows.
Some days, you feel like you're one of the JET Beauties of The Week. Other days, you just want to throw on a hat and disappear because your hair decided to do its own thing and show out. And we all know that dreaded feeling that comes the morning AFTER a bomb hair day. You know, the moment you take off your bonnet or silk scarf, shake out your hair, take a good look, and––yeah. We've been there sis, more times than we'd like to admit. But the good news is, you don't have to stay there.
Keep reading for some of our fave products that'll keep your second-day curls poppin'.
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, xoNecole may earn a small commission.
Miss Jessie’s Jelly Soft Curls
Miss Jessie's
There's a reason why they call it jelly soft. If your curls are a little lackluster, dampen your hair or add a decent amount of this product to dry hair, scrunch for best results, and watch them come back to life.
Cantu Coconut Curling Cream
Cantu
If the smell doesn't get you sold, then the way this product enhances your curls will. This smooth cream lets your natural curl pattern shine through without weighing your hair down.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
SheaMoisture
This product has been a staple for naturalistas seemingly since it first came out, and there's a good reason for that. It truly is one of the best curl enhancers for thick, curly hair. As a seven-year naturalista, this is one product that never does me wrong.
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Fortifying Conditioner
Garnier
I firmly believe that one of the best ways to ensure good day-two hair, is to prep and properly moisturize it from the beginning. This brand is normally targeted towards our less curly friends but don't sleep on this conditioner. The fruit protein actively works to control frizz which sets you up for a smoother, sleeker finish once you get to styling.
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioner
Garnier
We strongly suggest following up the Garnier conditioner with its leave-in companion. And that's because the infused Argan oil in both will help to seal in your hair's natural moisture while blocking out humidity. And with both systems working together, believe us when we say––your curls will look brand new.
Creme of Nature Pure Honey Curl Activator
Walmart
It's the shine and elongation for us. This curl activator not only keeps your strands looking silky smooth, it also helps elongate them, kicking shrinkage to the curb. And who doesn't want that?
Cantu Define & Shine Custard
Target
This custard gives you all the benefits of a nice, defined curls without the sticky buildup. It also keeps them soft and bouncy, no hard-crunch in sight.
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Leave-In Spray
SheaMoisture
When this line first came out, I had never heard of Manuka Honey. But honey, when I tell you this spray is the truth? Use this for a quick curl refresher to hydrate and reawaken your coils.
Eco Styler Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Gel
Walmart
We know the jury is still out on whether or not we really rock with Eco Styler like that. But for those that do or those who are willing, this Black Castor and Flaxseed Oil version turns your curls from dry and dull to light and luscious with little-to-no effort.
Curls Blueberry Bliss Control Jelly
You aren't a true naturalista if you don't have this jelly in your stash. From your fave influencers to everyday babes, this product not only defines your curls but it holds the curl in place. That way your hair keeps its beautiful form day after day.
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Featured image by Shutterstock.
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Writer. Empath. Escapist. Young, gifted, and Black. Shanelle Genai is a proud Southern girl in a serious relationship with celebrity interviews, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and long walks down Sephora aisles. Keep up with her on IG @shanellegenai.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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How A Stay At Switzerland's Luxurious 7132 Hotel Reminded Me To Live The Life I Deserve
Sometimes, as women—especially as single Black women—we simply need to be reminded that we are deserving of living a life we dream of. Even if that means creating it for ourselves. I recently set out on a weeklong trip to Switzerland, a trip I’ve been wanting to take for years, and near the end of my visit, I had an epiphany.
“DeAnna, this is the life you deserve,” I thought to myself as I took in the gorgeous bathroom in my suite at the famous 7132 Hotel and Thermal Spa. It was one of the most luxurious hotels (and bathrooms) I had ever stayed in—and that’s saying a lot for someone who often travels for work.
To help you better understand why this was such a mental awakening for me, I first need to give a bit of my backstory. I’m in my late thirties. I’m an attorneyand a journalist. I own a home and have traveled the world extensively. Essentially, I’ve done everything in life I set out to do. However, when it comes to dating, I struggle. Not because there is anything wrong with me per se, but because my career and “lifestyle” often create problems in my romantic relationships.
View from my hotel room
Courtesy
I’ve been told everything from, ‘I can’t continue to date you because you seem to choose your career over wanting to settle down and have kids’ by a man after only the second date to ‘Maybe if you just sat down somewhere for a while, I’d actually wife you’ by someone who has honestly never proven themselves to be the settle down type. And these are only a handful of the things I’ve been told over the years.
It’s been frustrating, to say the least, and there have even been seasons where I purposely dimmed my light in hopes that my career wouldn’t push away potential suitors. I know what you’re thinking, “Girl, why would you even consider that? If they’re for you, it won’t matter what you do.” Hey, don’t judge me, but also, I one hundred percent agree.
My hotel bathroom
Courtesy
That’s why this recent moment in Switzerland was right on time. When I first walked into the hotel to check in, I was blown away by the surrounding beauty. It was a five-star property with one of the world’s most famous thermal bathhouses. Yet, it was something about seeing that 90% of the hotel’s guests were couples, that forced me to sit back for a bit of introspection—while soaking in the thermal spa, of course.
As I went through the mental conversation, there was a battle of sorts. On one hand, I knew that being able to partake in experiences like the one I was having at that moment was important to me. I knew that, at times I actually love being able to dabble in the finer things—after all, I’ve worked hard to be able to afford them. On the other hand, and sadly, I knew that sometimes being a single Black woman that publicly showcases her “luxurious” habits can intimidate men and even scare them off from pursuing you under the guise of them feeling like they “can’t do anything for you, because you have everything.”
My hotel room
Courtesy
So, what is a girl to do?
Do I minimize/hide the life and experiences that I have? Do I play down the hard work I’ve put in to get where I am professionally? Or, do I risk being single in exchange for being able to have said life, without backlash?
Luckily, the joy that I felt while being at this property won. There was something about taking a full day to simply pamper myself at the bathhouse and in my in-room steam shower and soaker tub, indulging in cuisine from a 2-star Michelin restaurant and doing all of this while surrounded by an amazing group of Black women that reminded me—this is certainly the life I was meant to live and that I deserve. Even if it means that right now, I’ll just have to provide it for myself until the right partner comes along. And honestly, I’m okay with that.
Restaurant at 7132 hotel
Courtesy
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