Quite Continental

If there’s anything I might be able to help you with, drop me a line: contact@quitecontinental.net

Yours Truly.  My specialties are curly hair and mischievous looks.

Hi Mariah,
I noticed you’ve got curly hair, just like me.  I was wondering what products you use?

Over the years, I’ve gone through a number of phases in my relationship with my hair.  (I blogged about it a few months ago, if you’d like to read it.  It’s a bit wordy, so consider yourself forewarned…)  But yes, my hair is definitely curly and rather full.  I had a Brazillian Blowout back in the winter, which rendered my hair completely — amazingly! — straight.  I loved it and completely recommend it for curly girls who want  wash and wear straight hair for a couple of months.  It gradually has worn off and this summer I am rediscovering my love for my curls.  You can see the current state of my locks above.

Everyone’s hair is a bit of a puzzle/middle school science fair project.  You’ve got to experiment until you find what works for you, but here are some of my tips for taming curly hair:

• Never ever EVER brush your curls…unless you want to look like a poodle.  Curly hair should be combed through when soaking wet, and left to its own devices after that.  I only use my fingers to style my hair after it is dry.
• Curly hair is thirsty.  After you think you’ve put in enough product, add more.  And don’t be afraid to double or triple up on your products.  At present, I’m working with three or four to get the curls you see above.  In the shower, be sure to use a good conditioner, as dry hair invites frizz.  Lastly, unless you have super oily hair/scalp, don’t wash it every day.  Try going a few days.  If you absolutely can’t go without washing your hair, try merely rinsing and lightly conditioning it.
• Air drying is always best.
•  Lastly, find a stylist who understands curly hair.  In New York, I go to Angela Soto at the Whittemore House Salon in Greenwich Village, and I **highly** recommend her.  She’s amazing.

Secret summer weapons.

So what’s on my hair right now?  The two products you see above have been a godsend to me this summer: Je Veux Argan Oil and SACHAJUAN Ocean Mist.  Both were recommended to me by Angela, and can be purchased at the Whittemore House, if you’re so inclined.  I especially like the Je Veux because it conditions my hair without weighing it down — a problem I had when I tried using pure argan oil.  The Ocean Mist does an excellent job of defining my curls, especially in the morning after I’ve slept on them.  I’ve also heard good things about Fekkai Beach Waves and Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray.

My summer regimen is as follows:

1. Wash, comb through a deep conditioner (the only time I comb my hair), wrap hair in towel to wring out excess moisture
2. Apply generous amount of Je Veux Argan Oil, evenly spritz SACHAJUAN Ocean Mist, scrunch
3. Air dry.  Once dry, finish off with a bit of hairspray.  I love Elnett.

Hope that helps.  Do let me know how it goes for you!

**Sidenote**  It seems like argan oil is everywhere lately, and I didn’t have the faintest where it came from, so I asked  Tara Cole, holistic health and nutrition coach (and good friend/partner in crime) to explain:

“I am always on the search to uncover healthy, holistic solutions to heal the body.  I discovered argan oil and its multitude of uses last year, and have been hooked ever since.  This amazing oil keeps my skin young and healthy and looking fresh. 

It can also be used to re-hydrate the body, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and soothe skin ailments such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.  It can reduce appearance of scars and stretch marks, moisturize cuticles, and it’s a great way to nourish and add shine to your hair.  I also dab a little on insect bites in the summer to heal quicker.  

This ancient healing oil is derived from the kernels of the slow growing argan tree, exclusive to the dry lowlands of Southwest Morocco.  I recommend finding an organic, cold-pressed oil for best results.   I like both Josie Maran Cosmetics argan oil, and Arganica Oil.“

For help with organic questions and holistic health tips, you can visit Tara at her website, Green Tara Wellness.

If there’s anything I might be able to help you with, drop me a line: contact@quitecontinental.net