Here is a excerpt of a newsletter sent to our Curly & Wild newsletter subscribers back in March 2023 sharing the reasons why we are closing.
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As a loyal newsletter subscriber, I wanted to share some thoughts on my decision to close the business because I feel it’s important to be transparent with you.
So in no particular order, I’ve shared them below.
The current economic climate and supply chain issues.
I am sure you and others in your circle have felt the rising living costs and inflation that are hitting many around the world. This has increased the running costs of the business and has also affected sales. I noticed this trend as early as October 2021 when the business sales from previous months were like night and day and they have not picked up since.
Curly & Wild hair extensions are sourced from our manufacturer in China. Since the global pandemic, supply chain issues have been a challenge to navigate for myself and many other small business owners. This and the current social, political and economic issues China is facing means these challenges are only going to get harder. Large businesses with investment, capital and time can afford to wait until these issues improve, but unfortunately, I don’t have either of these things.
Expecting a baby
My husband and I are overjoyed to be expecting our first child this year. While I write this newsletter it’s currently 3am as pregnancy insomnia is hitting me hard! With a baby on the way, it forced me to take a hard look at the current state of the business. I had to take the emotion out of it and ask myself logically whether it was feasible to keep going with another mouth to feed. Is continuing the best decision for our family? Perhaps in the long-term but in the short-term it currently isn’t.
Being a one-woman show
I’ve been running Curly & Wild mostly by myself for 4 years with no pay. It feels crazy to write this because who would work for so long for no money? I was more than willing to temporarily sacrifice the financial return as natural hair is my passion and changing the black hair industry felt like my purpose.
Of course, I still need to pay my bills, so I’ve worked while running Curly & Wild. Doing this for 4 years with no financial gain from the business and continuing while the economy looks like it will get worse before it gets better starts to become unrealistic. I’ve not had a proper break since launching the business, it’s always on my mind and there is always something to do and that gets tiring. Work-life balance is non-existent and burning out is a real possibility. Having burnt out twice already, I would like to avoid it.
Closing Curly & Wild is so bittersweet. It's difficult to distinguish between feelings of "giving up" and simply feelings of "what a shame, but it's for the best". There is such a cultural narrative in the Black community about "never giving up" and “pushing through the struggle”. Although I think there are benefits to having this mindset, it isn’t practical in all circumstances. It’s ok to acknowledge that something isn’t working and to take the path of least resistance.
I’ve had many proud moments like the extensions being used in TV productions like The Witcher and Hocus Pocus. Being featured in the Daily Mirror, having 5-star reviews and speaking personally to lovely repeat customers. It’s been a joy running this business with so many lessons and teachings. I will always look fondly at what I tried to build and how Curly & Wild extensions helped women around the world embrace their natural hair.
At Curly & Wild, to celebrate Black History Month we wanted to give an honourable mention to 6 black hair pioneers who made waves in the black hair industry. Their stories and the way they achieve success amongst racism, discrimination and hardship is incredible. They overcame obstacles, broke down barriers and created products that we still use today.
Annie Malone
Annie Turnbo Malone was born in Metropolis, Illinois, 1869. She understood the importance that black women placed on their hair and how its health had a positive effect on their self-esteem and lives. This inspired her to develop her own product line which allowed her to grow her company to enormous success. One product she created was the Wonderful Hair Grower which was extremely popular. She was also responsible for the earliest commercial hair straighteners.
Malone founded the Poro College Company, a cosmetics school, which became a training centre for caring and styling black hair. She recruited people who gained commission from their recruits' sales, like a pyramid scheme. Her agents of women and men would sell her products for nourishing the hair and scalp which was called the Poro system. She became one of the wealthiest African American women and with her wealth she donated money to philanthropic causes. Unfortunately, due to a hard divorce settlement and the great depression the company was broken up and never returned to its former glory.
Madame C.J. Walker
Madam C.J. Walker also known as Sarah Breedlove was born in Delta, Louisiana in 1867 on the same plantation where her parents were slaves. She was married at the age of 14 and had a daughter called A’Lelia. Walker was a formidable woman and a self-made black millionaire who amassed her fortune from her range of hair care products. Her products included tonics, hair pomades and hair straighteners which she claimed promoted healthy hair growth and coined her process the Walker system. She employed women called “beauty culturalists” to promote her products far and wide.
"I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!"
MADAM C.J. WALKER
Walker’s success does not come without some controversy as she was a former employee of Annie Malone as a sales agent. She created a similar product to Annie’s “Wonderful Hair Grower” with different ingredients and quickly rose to success due to her superior marketing skills.
To find out more about these amazing female entrepreneurs check out the Netflix production Self Made.
Dyke and Dryden
Perhaps less known but no more less influential was Dyke and Dryden the pioneers of the British black hair industry. They were the founders of one of Britain’s biggest black-owned companies which was founded by three men, Lincoln "Len" Dyke, Dudley Dryden and Tony Wade. During the 70s and 80s, they sold a range of products including hair sheens, weaves, cosmetics, relaxers and curl activators.
They established the first black hair shop in Tottenham and opened another in Birmingham as well as a travel agency providing flights to the Caribbean and Africa. They also commercialised the iconic hand holding afro combs and sold their products to the US, Africa and Europe with the help of their agents. In addition, they established the annual afro hair and beauty expo which launched in 1983.
Due to the influx of non-black competitors entering the black hair industry to make quick cash, the company struggled to keep up. In the 90s, Drake and Dryden was eventually sold to an American competitor. Unfortunately, at the time no one in the black community had the money to acquire a multi-million pound business.
Watch the video to find out more about their story.
Christina Jenkins
Finally, we could not end this feature without mentioning Christine Jenkins, the inventor of sew-in weaves.
Christina was born in Zillplatt, Louisiana, 1920. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in science and became a hairdresser. While working for a wig manufacturer she began researching methods for ways to secure wigs to the hair and scalp. At the time, black women were using hair grips and pins to secure wigs to their hair. Jenkins invented a device called the weaving frame which allowed women to stitch weaves to their natural hair. This was revolutionary as it gave black women more freedom and flexibility.
Jenkins patented this technique and travelled around the world teaching other cosmetologists how to use her method. The principle of this technique is still used today by hairstylists around the world.
These are just four people who helped shape black hair history over two centuries, and their stories are fascinating. There are many black hair pioneers who we could write about and there’s no doubt more are to come. To keep the legacy alive, we should continue to support black entrepreneurs in the black hair industry. This way we will continue to preserve an important part of our history and encourage economic empowerment through our beautiful hair.
Interested in checking out our natural hair extensions?
Shedding is a big bugbear for many with hair extensions, and it can be frustrating due to the amount of money you invested. It’s only natural to wonder why your natural hair extensions are shedding and if the hair is of poor quality. The truth is that this isn’t a question of quality, especially if you have spent a decent amount of money on them, but it’s more about knowing how hair extensions are made. Because this is such a hot topic in the hair extension industry, we decided to clear up the common myth about shedding and will share with you our top tips for dealing with it, so you can continue to enjoy your natural hair extensions for months to come.
Common myth: Hair extensions are not supposed to shed
Now let us start by addressing the elephant in the room, do hair extensions shed? The honest answer is yes! Now I know that’s probably not what you want to hear but hear us out. It’s normal to experience some shedding over time and it’s unrealistic not to. Why? Because of the way hair extensions are constructed. Let’s take clip-ins for example as they are one of the most delicate hair extensions. They are made by securing hundreds of strands of hair using thread and an industrial sewing machine. Because it is the thread that attaches the hair to the weft whenever you wash, detangle and style your natural hair clip-ins, some hair will slip loose. This is why hair extensions are classed as a consumable product with a limited lifespan.
Curly & Wild natural hair extensions typically last 3-12+ months with good care. Our natural hair clip-in extensions are designed to reduce shedding as they are double-wefted. This means each clip-in weft has two wefts that were placed on top of each other and sewn together. Each double weft also has a lace protective band on top to ensure they last longer providing they are looked after. There are extensions which shed less such as a drawstring ponytail because they do not require as much styling and manipulation as clip-ins.
Ok, so you might be thinking if shedding is normal then what is an abnormal amount of shedding?
A normal amount is minimal shedding that occurs over time as you manipulate the extensions (i.e., washing, detangling, etc). Curly & Wild extensions are of the highest quality, therefore you won't get excessive shedding, however, with longer use your extensions will eventually need to be replaced.
Abnormal shedding is hair that is continuously falling out and getting thinner and thinner especially when you are not manipulating it (i.e., when it is stored in a box or while wearing it). Be aware that if you cut your hair extensions this may increase shedding, so take care.
If shedding is excessive because your hair extensions are tangled, and you are heavily manipulating it to get rid of the knots then excessive shedding is inevitable. If you are having tangling issues, be sure to check out our blog post below with our top tips on how to resolve it.
How to reduce hair extensions from shedding
At this point you may be thinking, this is all good to know, but how do you stop your hair extensions from shedding? Well like we said, some shedding is naturally going to happen over time, but there are ways to reduce shedding, which will help increase the longevity of your hair extensions.
1. Keep your extensions detangled
Keeping your hair extensions detangled is crucial when looking after natural hair extensions. As long as you have a regular detangling regimen this will stop your hair extensions from tangling and then shedding in an attempt to get rid of the tangles. It’s important to deal with tangled hair extensions as soon as possible because tangled hair becomes matted hair which is even harder to resolve. Remember to detangle on moisturised or damp hair only, as detangling dry hair will only increase shedding.
2. Keep your extensions moisturised
As mentioned above, moisturising your hair extensions is important to keep the integrity of the hair. Moisturising your extensions doesn’t have to be complicated; you can simply use a spray water bottle and a bit of leave-in conditioner. Now and again, remember to take the time to deep condition your extensions, as this will increase the hair’s capacity to retain moisture.
3. Use weave glue
Weave glues have been specifically designed to reduce shedding in weaves by bonding the hair together along the top of the weft. You can use weave glue on your natural clip-in extensions to slow down and reduce shedding, so it’s worth incorporating it as part of your extension care regimen. Pro tip: use black weave glue for darker hair.
4. Incorporate protective styling
With natural hair when you wear protective styles it helps you retain length. The same is true with your natural hair extensions because leave-out hairstyles are more exposed to the elements and will need more styling. The less you are styling your hair extensions the less hair you will lose over time.
If you have bought natural hair extensions from a reputable, knowledgeable and experienced company, minimal shedding is commonplace, but it need not be the end of the world. Thankfully, these tips above are simple to incorporate and don’t take a lot of time. When it comes to looking after your natural hair extensions a little bit of planning goes a long way to ensure your extensions are long-lasting to allow you to enjoy your beautiful hairstyles.
We hope this helps clarify the common myth about hair extensions shedding and ways you can reduce it in the future.
If you have any more questions, please get in touch with us, we are always happy to help.
Curly and Wild natural hair extensions allow you to switch up your hairstyle at a moment’s notice while wearing extensions in your natural hair texture. As we house a range of textures for afro and curly hair, we’ve had loads of people asking about the options available for them as understandably it can be tricky when you buy hair extensions online. That’s why we’ve created this guide to walk you through the different textures so you can make the best decision about which one is ideal for you and your unique hair type.
Know your curl pattern
When it comes to choosing the right natural hair extensions, a good starting point is knowing your curl pattern and where it fits within the hair typing chart. Although the typing chart is not perfect, it’s a useful way to get a general idea of your natural curl pattern. If you are unsure of what your curl pattern is, you can check out this blog post to help you figure it out.
Understanding our natural hair extension textures
Once you have a general idea of your curl pattern, you’re in a better position to find which Curly & Wild texture will match your hair type.
Wild Afro
If your hair is in the Type 4 category try the Wild Afro. This texture can blend with 4c and 4b hair so it’s perfect if you want to add body to your afro. The curl pattern is tightly coiled, but it can be loosened by brushing it out. It has a beautiful cottony appearance that is characteristic of afro hair and a low sheen to blend seamlessly with your Type 4 hair. This texture is our best-seller which has been featured in TV productions such as The Witcher. If you are interested, you can check out our Wild Afro extensions here.
If you consider your hair to be Type 3 you will want to check out our Wild Curly. This texture is for you if you have 3b and 3c hair. The curl pattern is our loosest texture with a defined S-shape, silkier feel and more sheen. These extensions allow you to enhance your natural curls with ease. It’s another best-seller which certainly doesn’t disappoint, so if you want to see more, you can check out our Wild Curly extensions here.
We love this texture because it has a unique curl pattern that is specifically designed for hair types that are in-between Wild Afro and Wild Curly. Its curl is tight but springy like a corkscrew so it’s perfect for 4a and 3c hair. It’s silkier and looser than the Wild Afro but tighter and has less sheen than the Wild Curly. This gorgeous texture can also blend with 4b and 4c hair using the right blending techniques. What’s also great is that it can be mixed with the Wild Curly if your hair has a mixture of 3c and 4a curls. Want to find out more, take a peek here.
Say hello to our straightest texture, Wild Kink. This texture is similar to natural hair that has been relaxed, straightened or blown out. It’s defined by the silkier and kinky texture towards the top and a natural blown-out texture towards the bottom. If you are relaxed or have Type 4 or 3 hair you can wear this texture when your hair is blown out or straightened. To view this texture, you can find it here.
What if I am still not sure which texture to choose?
We provide a texture sample that gives you a 14 inch weft in the texture you’re considering so you can see what the curl pattern looks like.
In addition, we have a dedicated quiz which asks you a set of questions to help you choose your texture, which you can access below.
You can also email us at info@curlyandwild.co.uk, send us a picture of your hair using our online chat widget on our website or DM us on Instagram.
What if I want natural hair extensions in a different texture to my natural hair?
That’s no problem. Many like to experiment with different textures from their own, it’s just a matter of preference. If you are going to choose a different texture, to achieve a natural look you may want to try out one of these blending techniques.
We hope this guide has provided useful information to help you decide which Curly & Wild texture is best for you. If you have any more questions, get in touch! We would be more than happy to help.
The world of natural hair extensions is limitless. There are so many different types to choose from to create your desired look while achieving the length and volume you have always wanted. In this blog post, we want to shine the spotlight on two of our favourite natural hair extensions: natural hair clip-ins and the drawstring ponytail. If you have been considering these two extensions but are unsure of which is best for you, you are in luck because we are going to break down the pros and cons of both. With this information under your belt, you should feel confident that you are making the right decision when you buy your next set of natural hair extensions.
What are natural hair clip-ins?
The simplest way to describe natural hair clip-ins is to think of them as removable extensions. They don’t require being glued or sewn into your hair and you attach them using small silicone tipped clips. These clips are found on individual wefts which can be slipped into and out of your hair.
What is a drawstring ponytail?
A drawstring ponytail is a hairpiece constructed around a lace stretch cap that fits comfortably over your bun in the style of a ponytail. It’s a great way to create a natural-looking ponytail that has more volume and length.
Pros of natural hair clip-ins
More styling options
What’s great about natural hair clip-ins is the versatility they offer. If they have been hairstyles you’ve been dying to try with your natural hair, but you feel you lack the length and volume this is where clip-in extensions shine. They can complement your natural hair to help you achieve a range of different hairstyles whether it’s for a wedding or a normal day at the office. If you are someone that loves switching up and experimenting with different hairstyles, then clip-ins are the extensions for you.
Adding length and volume to your entire hair
If you want to add more length and volume to your natural hair, then it’s clip-ins for the win. Because clip-ins can be installed throughout your hair you can create more length and fullness. As the clips are light weight you can get this without causing damage to your hair. If you are considering going natural for the first time, clip-ins can be a great way to boost your confidence while you embark on your exciting natural hair journey.
Simple to install
Clip-in extensions are easy and simple to install. Depending on your hairstyle you can apply them in 10 minutes, and they are even quicker to remove. How you install your clip-ins will depend on the hairstyle you want to create and how much of your real hair you want to show. You can check out this video for tips on installing your natural hair clip-ins.
Cons of natural hair clip-ins
Can be harder to style
Natural hair clip-ins are easy to use but if you’re not used to styling your hair, there can be a learning curve as you get comfortable with styling them. Afro and curly hair clip-ins are still relatively new, so it’s not unusual to be unfamiliar with styling them. Getting used to using your clip-ins is rewarding as it opens up a wide range of hairstyles, however, consider whether you are willing to take the time to learn now to style your hair with them.
Requires more maintenance
Natural hair clip-ins have been created to mimic natural hair textures; therefore, the care and maintenance of these extensions are like natural hair. We know that natural hair requires more care than straighter hair textures and natural hair extensions are no different. With that in mind, it’s important to understand how crucial it is to look after them if you want to get the longevity and benefits of your clip-ins. If you are at the beginning of your natural hair journey and still learning about natural hair care, you might not want to invest in afro and curly hair extensions at this stage of your journey. Luckily there are blown out textured hair extensions that can be ideal for newbies to the natural hair extension world.
Pros of a drawstring ponytail
Easy and quick to install
If you are looking for a hairstyle that gives you speed and efficiency, then the drawstring ponytail is for you. You can have your hair done in a matter of minutes. It's that quick! No additional styling is needed other than prepping your hair by putting it into a bun. If you don’t like to spend too much time styling your hair, then a drawstring ponytail is the perfect solution.
Easier to maintain
Unlike natural hair clip-ins, a drawstring ponytail requires less maintenance because it is a structured unit that sits on top of your head, so it doesn't require as much styling or handling. This means you don’t have to wash or detangle it as often. Because they are low maintenance it makes them ideal for natural hair extension newbies.
Allows you to create different ponytail styles
A common misconception is that you can only do one style with your ponytail when in fact you can create a range of styles by taking advantage of the extra length and volume that the ponytail provides. You can get your creative juices flowing and experiment with different ponytail hairstyles. Your only limit is your imagination.
Cons of a drawstring ponytail
Your hair must be long enough
One disadvantage of a drawstring ponytail is that your hair must be long enough to use it, while with clip-ins you can still wear them if your hair is short (i.e., 3+ inches). We recommend that your hair is at least 4 to 6 inches long to comfortably put your hair into a bun without creating tension to your scalp.
Limited hair styling options
Although there are different ways to wear a drawstring ponytail it’s the only style you can create, whereas with natural hair clip-ins you have a wider range of hairstyles at your disposal. If you are someone that wants to have different hairstyles, then clip-ins will be the better choice.
Now that we’ve gone through the pros and cons of each extension are you team natural hair clip-ins or team drawstring ponytail?
We love them both but understand that different types of natural hair extensions are better suited for different lifestyles and hair goals. It’s great that there are more options for women who want to wear hair extensions in their texture. We hope this post has gotten you closer to finding your ideal natural hair extensions.
Interested in our collection of natural hair extensions and accessories?
Natural hair extensions tangling is probably one of the most frustrating things that can occur to you. If you have ever had to deal with it, you know that it can make your extensions feel like they are falling apart. If the hair is all knotted up, the knots can become tighter and tighter until it feels like you are going to tear your hair out trying to get the knots out. If this is you don’t throw in the towel yet because this blog post is going to cover the 3 top reasons why your hair extensions may be tangling and what to do to prevent it.
Why do natural hair extensions get tangled?
The truth is even high-quality extensions are not immune to occasional tangling, especially natural hair extensions because of the tighter curls. It’s very similar to your natural hair which can tangle as a result of friction (curls rubbing against each other), lack of a care routine and no moisture. In our experience, there are 3 main reasons why your natural hair extensions may keep tangling.
1. Product selection
Certain products may be drying out your curly and afro hair extensions and usually, these products have alcohols and sulphates. You want to limit or avoid using products with these ingredients (i.e., gels, hairsprays, sulphate shampoos) as they can be very drying to the hair, especially with constant use. When washing your extensions, use a sulphate-free shampoo because this helps clean the hair without stripping it and leaving it too dry. However, not all alcohols are bad; some can be moisturising which makes it even more confusing! See our list of alcohols we recommend avoiding here.
Also using too much product, especially rich and heavy ones, can cause product build-up resulting in the hair becoming gummy and the strands sticking together to create tangles. Although it is important to moisturise your natural hair extensions, take care to not overdo it and keep an eye out for product build-up. If you notice product build-up, wash with a sulphate-free/clarifying shampoo and follow up with a deep conditioner.
2. The weather
Every naturalista knows how much the weather can wreak havoc on their hairstyle. This is also the case with natural hair extensions. If you are wearing your curly or afro hair extensions while on holiday and experiencing high humidity the hair can become frizzy and tangled. Similarly, rain can cause frizziness and puffiness by causing the cuticles to swell. If you think the weather might go to town on your hairdo, wear a protective hairstyle and bring your brolly.
3. Dryness
Dry hair leads to tangling and knots so moisturising your hair extensions with water and/or a leave-in conditioner is important to keep the hair hydrated. You want to be doing this daily if you are wearing your extensions every day. Don’t feel like you need to drench the hair, just a light evenly coated spritz should suffice.
Heat styling will inevitably dry out your hair extensions, so you want to limit this where possible. If you do heat style, use a heat protectant to prevent heat damage. We always recommend air drying after washing the hair to reduce heat use and over manipulation of the curls. If you are in a rush, you can use an air diffuser or place your extensions above a radiator to speed up the drying process.
How to stop afro and curly hair extensions from tangling and matting
Okay, now we’ve addressed why your hair extensions may be tangling, let’s go over what you can do to prevent it.
Regularly detangle
We cannot underestimate how important it is to detangle your hair extensions. It’s one of the most important steps when it comes to maintaining curly and afro extensions. You want to detangle your extensions at least every 1 to 3 days. We prefer finger detangling on Curly & Wild extensions because it causes less disruption to the curl pattern and forces you to go slowly so you don’t pull out more hair than necessary. Remember to always detangle on moisturised or damp hair, never dry. If you have difficult tangles to work through use a wide-tooth comb with a fine point. Always detangle your hair extensions before washing them because putting tangled extensions in water will make the tangles worst.
Use moisturising products
Using moisturising products (i.e., conditioners, deep-conditioners, moisture-based leave-ins) are essential because unlike your real hair, extensions don’t benefit from the natural sebum your scalp produces to condition your hair. Evenly distribute the products through your extensions and remember not to be heavy-handed with daily moisturisers.
Look don’t touch
Constantly playing with your natural hair extensions will undoubtedly create tangles and increase shedding. Extensions are a consumable product so the more you use and manipulate them the faster they will wear out. Although it’s tempting, avoid running your hands through your hair extensions. Just allow yourself and others to admire your beautiful hair from afar.
Establish a daily and weekly care routine
Having a care regimen for your natural hair extensions will contribute towards preventing tangles as well as ensuring they last longer. This doesn’t have to be complicated, and you can adapt your routine depending on how often you wear your extensions. For instance, if you wear them daily make sure you keep them hydrated and detangle them at the end of the day. After seven days, give them a co-wash (i.e., conditioner wash) and apply a leave-in conditioner and a few drops of oil then allow them to air dry. Every 2 to 4 weeks, deep condition your extensions for added softness and moisture.
Wear more protective hairstyles
Have you ever noticed when you wear your hair out by the end of the day it can be knotty and tangled? This is also the case with your natural hair extensions, so switch up your hairstyles now and again to incorporate protective styles to reduce friction caused by the curls rubbing against each other throughout the day.
Avoid wearing them for certain activities
We don’t recommend sleeping or swimming in your hair extensions and if you are having issues with tangling, it’s best to avoid wearing them at the gym. Chlorine from the pool, moving around on your pillow while sleeping and sweat can lead to your extensions drying out, tangling and matting. Therefore, remove your extensions before doing these activities.
Store them properly
When you remove your extensions at the end of the day it’s good practice to store them sensibly because this will help reduce tangling and matting. Store them on top of each other neatly and keep them in a safe place or use a satin storage bag.
Hair extensions can become matted after tangled hair has not been dealt with. Matting can be particularly difficult to resolve depending on how long it has been left to occur, which is why following the steps above is crucial if you want to avoid this from happening. If your hair extensions have matted it doesn’t mean they can’t be saved, but you may have to dedicate time to removing the knots and tangles.
If you are dealing with matted extensions try saturating the hair in a creamy moisturising conditioner for a few hours. Then get a wide-tooth comb with a fine point and detangle the hair section by section starting from the bottom up. You don’t want to rush this process and damage the hair extensions so take your time. Put on your favourite Netflix show or podcast and detangle those knots away. If there are parts of your hair extensions that are extremely matted, you may need to cut away some knots. Using products that help with detangling afro and curly hair will also help with the process. If you notice that the hair is getting dry while doing this add more water and conditioner.
Hopefully, this helps to clear up the mystery of why your hair extensions are tangling and has given a good starting point to solving your tangling and matting issues from this day forward.
If you have any more questions please get in touch with us, we are always happy to help.
Interested in our collection of natural hair extensions and accessories?
When it comes to styling natural hair, finding styles that save time is like finding the holy grail; rare and precious. If you have curly, coily or kinky hair then a drawstring ponytail will be the best secret weapon to add to your natural hair tool kit.
Our Curly & Wild ponytails are made with 100% virgin hair and have been steamed processed to match 3b to 4c hair textures. They can be dyed and styled like your natural hair and are so easy to install you can be ready in minutes!
What is a Curly & Wild drawstring ponytail?
Our drawstring ponytail is a hairpiece with a lace stretch cap, two combs; one at the bottom and one at the top, and a drawstring. This makes up a ready-made ponytail that can be used on the go adding length, volume and curl definition to your regular ponytail.
How to install a drawstring ponytail
One of the best things about a drawstring ponytail are that it is so simple to install.
1: You put your natural hair into a bun.
2: Take the top comb on the lace cap and slide it in above the top of your bun, then take the bottom comb and slide it in underneath the bottom of your bun.
3: While holding the ponytail in place, take the drawstring and pull using the toggles to secure it in place.
4: Once in place, you take the remaining string and wrap it around the base of the ponytail and secure it with a bobby pin or tuck it into the stretch cap.
Our ponytails are 100% virgin human hair that can be curled, braided and twisted like your natural hair. You can switch up the position of your ponytail to your heart’s desire. Want a high ponytail, low ponytail, side ponytail or bun the choice is up to you.
How to dye a drawstring ponytail
Dyeing the hair is pretty simple. All you need is your dye of choice and an application brush. You can always take it to a hairstylist to dye your ponytail if you are unsure.
How to wash a drawstring ponytail
Washing your drawstring ponytail is similar to washing your natural hair clip-in extensions, however, it doesn't need to be washed as frequently. We recommend washing your ponytail once you notice product build-up and if it starts to look dull and dry. Always finger detangle your ponytail before washing and use a sulphate-free shampoo or conditioner wash. Follow up with a deep conditioner and then let your ponytail air dry after applying a leave-in conditioner.
What length should I choose?
Deciding on what length to choose is a personal preference. It also depends on the type of look you want to achieve. If you want to create a bun and puff, then consider the 12 inch. If you want to have a long single braid or an Ariana Grande ponytail, then choose the 24 inch. All our curly textures are measured based on their straight length so that’s something to bear in mind when choosing your length.
How long should my hair be to use a ponytail?
Your hair should be long enough to put comfortably into a bun so, a minimum of 4-6 inches long.
What texture should I choose?
At Curly & Wild, there are 4 different textures; Wild Afro, Wild Coily, Wild Curly and Wild Kink. Wild Afro is the closest match to natural afro hair similar to 4b-4c hair. Wild Coily is similar to 4a hair and Wild Curly has a looser curl pattern similar to 3b-3c hair. Wild Kink is similar to texlaxed or natural blown-out hair.
If you are unsure which texture to choose you can take our texture quiz to help you decide.
How to make a drawstring ponytail look natural?
Making your ponytail look natural is key to achieving a flawless and seamless look. So here are our top tips for a natural-looking ponytail.
Choose a texture that is closest to your curl pattern.
Make sure your ponytail is moisturised. If your natural hair is moisturised but your ponytail is dry (or vice versa) it will create a contrast between your natural hair and ponytail.
Dyeing your ponytail is optional, however, depending on your natural hair colour the ponytail might be a bit too dark or too light. If this is the case, you can easily dye the hair, so it matches your natural hair colour.
Let’s face it, life is hectic, and we haven’t got time to spend hours getting ready in the morning. That’s why we love natural hairstyles that don’t take a lot of time, which is why we think every natural should have a drawstring ponytail. Got a session at the gym, a wedding or a last-minute zoom meeting, your ponytail has got you covered. It’s an on-the-go protective style that makes your natural hair routine easier and faster and can be worn for any occasion. What’s not to love?! Still not convinced check out these reasons why you need to incorporate a drawstring ponytail into your natural hair routine, read more.
I'm sure you've seen natural hair extensions a lot of times and wondered what they are, where to buy them and how to apply them at home. With the growth of the natural hair movement, it's no surprise that the use of these extensions has increased too.
Natural hair extensions are great because they’re created to blend seamlessly with your real hair so no one can tell you are wearing extensions. Whether you want a big voluminous fro’, fluffy natural blow out or bouncy washing go, you can achieve all these looks.
There are many factors like your own curl pattern, thickness, length and lifestyle that play an important role in choosing the right natural hair extensions for you. This post is all about natural hair extensions and will give you a rundown on the different types out there and commonly asked questions, so you can make the best choice to suit your needs.
What are natural hair extensions?
Natural hair extensions are extensions that have been designed for natural hair. Curly & Wild natural hair extensions are 100% virgin human hair that has been steam processed to replicate curly, coily and afro-textured hair.
What’s the difference between human and synthetic hair extensions?
Human hair extensions are made from real human hair. The hair is collected from a donor and is treated and processed to create a specific texture and/or colour. Human hair extensions can range in price depending on the quality. In most cases, with human hair extensions, you get what you pay for, so if you want long-lasting extensions, it’s worth paying for high-quality extensions.
Synthetic hair extensions have no human hair and are made from synthetic fibres, usually plastic. They can be manufactured to match human hair; however, they do not last as long, usually less than six months. If you have a smaller budget, synthetic hair extensions could be a good choice, although be mindful that you will have to replace them more often.
What types of natural hair extensions can you get?
There is a range of different natural hair extensions available, however, for the sake of time, we will cover the most popular types that are commonly worn in the natural hair community.
Weave/sew-ins
Weaves/sew-ins are installed by sewing them into your real hair, usually cornrows. They can be worn for weeks or months, which can make them a convenient choice if you are looking for a long-term and low maintenance protective style. The downside is that they can be expensive as they require a professional to install.
Clip-in extensions
Natural hair clip-ins are essentially removable hair extensions. Their application is similar to weave as they are installed directly into your hair, however, this is done using clips making them quick and easy to install on your own. If you are new to clip-ins there can be a learning curve so they may not be suitable if you are looking for an easy low maintenance protective style.
If you are unsure whether weaves or clip-ins are for you, check out this blog post to weigh up the pros and cons of both extensions.
A hairpiece is a unit you attach to your hair to create an on the go hairstyle. Hairpieces can come in the form of ponytails, bangs or buns that are installed into the hair. To find out more about our drawstring ponytails go here.
Wig/lace front
A wig is a full hair unit made out of real or synthetic hair to cover your entire head. There is a range of different wigs so they can be a fantastic way to switch up your look while allowing your natural hair to be protected. They can also be worn for medical reasons such as alopecia or hair loss.
Lace front wigs have an invisible hairline, so it looks like the hair is growing from your scalp giving you a natural look. The hairs are placed individually into the lace front one by one to mimic hair growing out of the scalp. This is a labour-intensive process that comes with a higher price tag. The lace front is delicate so it’s important to be careful when wearing this unit.
Microlinks
Microlinks are growing in popularity in the natural hair community and are being used as an alternative to weaves and wigs. They are hair extensions that are attached to silicone or metal beads which are clamped around small sections of your natural hair to secure them in place. There are two main types of microlinks; I-tips and wefts.
Because of how they are installed they look and feel very natural and give the wearer a lot of versatility. The downside to microlinks is that installation can be pricey, and they generally last for 2 to 3 months when they are looked after properly. If you are looking for a low maintenance style, then microlinks are probably not for you.
Braiding hair
Braiding hair is a long-time favourite in the black hair community. There is a range of different braiding hair available on the market in a variety of textures and colours. Popular styles include faux locs, crochet braids, box braids and Marley twists. Braiding hair has been used as a protective style for decades and can be worn in a multitude of ways.
How long do natural hair extensions last?
The longevity of natural hair extensions depends on two things: whether they are human hair or synthetic hair and how well you care for them. Human hair extensions have a longer lifespan and tend to last 6 to 12 months when looked after properly. Synthetic hair extensions generally last a few months, normally no longer than 6 months.
Will natural hair extensions blend with my hair?
Yes, natural hair extensions will blend with your natural hair as they have been designed to blend with textured hair. There are certain tips and techniques to help with blending your extensions. Check out this video to see our favourite blending methods.
Can I style natural hair extensions?
What’s great about natural hair extensions is that they can be styled, dyed and cut just like your natural hair so you can twist, braid and Bantu knot to your heart's content. It’s best to use a limited amount of heat because like your real hair your natural hair extensions can suffer from heat damage. Just make sure if you are using heat to use a heat protectant.
Can I wash natural hair extensions?
Of course! You can wash natural hair extensions just like your natural hair. It’s always a good idea to use a sulphate-free shampoo to prevent them from drying out and to follow up with a deep conditioner.How often you wash your hair extensions will depend on the number of times you wear them. If they start to look dull and show signs of product build-up it’s time to wash them. You can also wash them with a moisture-rich conditioner in-between shampoo washes. It’s important to bear in mind that the more you manipulate your hair extensions it shortens their longevity so do not over wash them.
Can I dye natural hair extensions?
If the hair extensions are human hair, they can be dyed. Curly & Wild natural hair extensions can be dyed up to #27 or Strawberry Honey Blonde, lighter colours may cause the curls to drop. We always recommend doing a test dye using our texture sample or on a small section of the extensions to ensure you are happy with the results. You can dye your extensions at home however we recommend getting them dyed by a professional colourist for a professional finish. For tips on how to dye your extensions at home, watch this video.
How to care for natural hair extensions?
When wearing natural hair extensions, you also have to consider the maintenance process that goes with them as they need to be cared for just like your natural hair. Hair extensions are a consumable product so they will eventually need replacing so keeping them clean, detangled and moisturised will make them last longer. You can find more detailed extension hair care advice here and here.
How often can I wear natural hair extensions?
You can wear natural hair extensions as often as you want. With daily wear, you must moisturise and detangle them to ensure you minimise tangling. There are some circumstances where we don’t recommend you wear your natural hair extensions for instance when swimming or sleeping.
What length of natural hair extensions should I get?
Deciding on what length to get will depend on what look you want to achieve. Curly & Wild hair extensions range from 12 to 24 inches depending on the extensions. If you are new to wearing natural hair extensions, try a shorter length while you get used to styling them. If you want to do a range of styles, a longer length would be better, so you have more hair to work with.
How long does my natural hair have to be to wear natural hair extensions?
We recommend that your hair is at least 4 inches long to wear our natural hair clip-in extensions and drawstring ponytails.
Do natural hair extensions look natural?
Yes, they do. When it comes to making your hair extensions look natural and seamless choose a texture that is closest to your curl pattern and find blending techniques that work for you. Choosing a length based on the length of your real hair can also make your extensions look natural. For more tips on how to make your extensions look natural head over to this blog post.
What products can you use on natural hair extensions?
Any products that you use on your natural hair can be used on your natural hair extensions. What is more important, however, is knowing which ingredients to avoid or minimise usage. Sulphates and alcohols can dry out the hair extensions and lead to tangling and eventually matting, so limiting the use of these products is essential.
That’s not to say these products should be avoided at all costs, however, you want to be mindful of the combination of ingredients and the order in which they appear in a product. The first 5 ingredients usually make up the bulk of any hair product. Therefore, if 3 out of the first 5 ingredients are alcohols this is likely to contribute to your hair extensions tangling. You would be surprised how many hidden alcohols are in hair products. Even glycerin is a derivative of alcohol!
Here is a list of ingredients you may want to avoid:
Sodium laureth sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Ammonium lauryl sulfate
Ethanol
Alcohol denat
Propanol
Isopropyl alcohol
SD alcohol
Also, limit conditioners that are protein-based because too much protein can make your hair extensions stiff. The same rules will apply to your leave-in conditioner or daily moisturiser.
Here is a list of products we find that work well with Curly & Wild natural hair extensions:
Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Clean – Moisturizing & Softening Shampoo
Remember finding products comes down to trial and error. We will keep updating this list as we discover more products.
What accessories can you use with natural hair extensions?
Hair accessories are a great way to add personality and flair to your hairstyles. You can use any accessories with your natural hair extensions so don’t be afraid to jazz up your hairstyle with a colourful hairband, a satin scrunchie and hair clips.
Should I wear natural hair extensions?
Yes! Natural hair extensions are a fun way to add volume and length while protecting your natural hair. They are comfortable and convenient and a great compliment to any natural hair routine.
Hopefully, this post has set you on the right path to finding the perfect extensions for you and your lifestyle. We take pride in everything we do here at Curly & Wild so we want to ensure you have all you need to be confident when choosing your natural hair extensions. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out and we would be happy to help.
Interested in our collection of natural hair extensions?
If you are looking for minimum effort + maximum style, look no further than a Curly & Wild drawstring ponytail. These beauties are crafted to give your ponytail the length and thickness you’ve always desired and are so versatile you can go from casual to chic in minutes. This is why we think a ponytail is a must-have for your natural hair tool kit. We’ll take you through three reasons why every naturalista should have one of these ponies.
Benefits of a drawstring ponytail
1. Quick and easy to use
Doing your hair doesn’t have to be the one thing on your to-do list that takes you hours. One of the best things about a drawstring ponytail is that it’s so quick and easy to use.
First, you put your hair into a bun. Then you install the ponytail around the bun using two small combs and secure it using the drawstring.
Simple. And all of this takes no longer than a minute. Now you can be ready for work, a zoom meeting, a school run or a night out in no time at all.
2. Endless styling options
You might think that ponytails offer limited options when it comes to hairstyle possibilities, but you would be wrong. With a long and voluminous ponytail, you can now create hairstyles that you couldn’t do with shorter or thinner hair. Now you can have a juicy bun, high ponytail, low ponytail, braided ponytail, twisted ponytail; the list is endless. You can also spice up your ponytail with a scrunchie or a headband.
Don’t take our word for it. Check out our video to see the different hairstyles you can create with one ponytail.
3. A low maintenance protective style
Out of all the natural hair extensions, the drawstring ponytail is the easiest to maintain. It doesn’t have to be washed as much as natural hair clip-ins because it needs less styling.
If you are new to the world of natural hair extensions or whether you are someone who loves wearing your natural hair but is too busy, the drawstring ponytail is the way to go.
Most would assume there are very few reasons to love a drawstring ponytail. However, what seems like a humble ponytail is the ultimate timesaving, versatile hairstyle that is easy to care for. What’s not to love? If you are a busy naturalista who wants to look great without spending hours, so you can say “I woke up like this”, then this protective hairstyle could be what you are looking for.
Interested in our collection of afro and curly ponytails?
Our classification of hair types has diversified greatly over the past few decades. What was previously known as merely straight, curly or kinky has now been subcategorised into several groups.
Identifying Your Type 3 Hair
To ensure you’re caring correctly for your hair it’s first important to know you’ve identified your hair type correctly. If you’re unsure of yours check out our previous blog post, where we did a breakdown of all the hair types from 3a-4c. Type 3 hair is often categorised by spiralling s-shaped curls. The A-C subcategories further define the tightness of the curl pattern:
3A has the loosest curl pattern
Whereas 3B is little tighter
and 3C hair has the tightest, S-shaped curls, generally around pencil-width
It’s important to remember that no two heads of hair are exactly the same, and even within the same hair type there can be several different factors that influence the way your curls can look.
Starting Your Haircare Journey
Learning to care for your curly hair is a journey, and can be a fun and exciting experience once you begin finding what works. This might include some trial and error as you experiment with different techniques and products and it’s important to be patient. The haircare journey is a marathon, not a sprint.
Purifying and Cleansing
One of the pillars of healthy hairs is cultivating a solid washing and conditioning routine. When it comes to curly and kinky hair types, one important thing to remember is this: limit your exposure to sulfate-containing shampoos. Shampoos which contain laureth/lauryl sulfate are strong detergents, these chemicals are what is responsible for the frothing, foamy suds that you get when washing your hair. Now, commercial shampoos with sulfates are great at that they propose to do. They will certainly remove the dirt and oils from your hair as desired, it’s just important to note that they will strip your hair of all it’s good oils in the process.
This isn’t a huge problem for straight-haired guys and gals who often prefer to wash their hair every day to rid it of oils, but for those with curlier hair types, this is a big no-no. We need to retain the natural oils in our hair because curly, kinky hair needs to retain it’s natural oils for it to retain its moisture and softness. One way to combat this dilemma is to dilute your regular shampoo with water, this will remove some of the potency of the sulfates and be gentler on your hair. If you’re looking to completely avoid any potential sulfates, you can opt for a co-wash. Co-washing is simply using your standard conditioner to clean your hair and scalp. This will cleanse your hair, removing all the major dirt, grease and oils but is gentle enough that is does not strip your hair completely of all its natural oils.
We recommended washing your hair with sulfate-containing shampoos no more than once every 2 weeks for optimum hair health. If you feel a build-up of dirt and grease perhaps opt for a co-wash or half-strength shampoo, so as to not be too harsh on your hair.
Moisturising and Conditioning
Vital to growing strong, thick and healthy type 3 hair is, undoubtedly - moisture. Your hair might survive without proper moisturising but it certainly won’t thrive. Type 3 hair may repel water more than straighter hair types, this means that hydration and moisture retention are key. If you’ve been moisturising your hair sporadically and haven’t been seeing outstanding results, this isn’t too surprising. Moisturing your hair daily will see your curls looking bright, bouncy and buoyant.
Try spritzing your hair lightly with water and then sealing with your favourite moisturising cream. Your hair will thank you for the extra moisture and you’ll notice a new vibrancy with your hair that you may not have seen before. However, when moisturising avoid very thick and heavy creams as this can weigh down your curls and cause build up.
On top of your daily moisturising, you can deep condition your hair for even greater moisture penetration. Deep conditioning with treatments that contain hydrolyzed protein will help fill in the fragmented gaps in your hair strands, helping to fortify the hair, retain moisture and prevent breakage. Taking care when detangling your hair is also very important when is comes of reducing breakage. Be gentle with your curls and don't detangle from the roots, start with the ends and avoid detangling on dry hair.
Styling
It’s easy to overlook the impacts of your chosen styles on the health of your hair but it’s one of the most important factors, especially when it comes to retaining length. A choosing styles that also helps to protect your hair as much as possible from harsh elements, tugging or snagging will lead to much happier hair than the alternative. Avoid hairstyles that pull on your edges or allow your curls to become matted and tangled will ultimately damage your tresses. Finding great protective styles can make all the difference to your hair health. It doesn't have to be complicated either, it can be simply putting your hair up in a pineapple with a scrunchie or hair tie.
Remember that not all protective styles are created equal and just because a style allows you to shield some of your natural hair, it doesn’t mean it’s doing so effectively. If you’re looking to add some new protective styles to your inventory have a look here for some of our suggestions on some stunning and effective protective styles you can try out.
Selecting the right styling products will help give volume and definition to your curls as well as reduce frizz. For instance, curling custards and leave-in conditioners will help your curls to pop and bring them to life. You can also increase the volume of your hair by fluffing it at the roots with a hair pick or using a diffuser.
Type 3 curly hair can be tricky learning to care for sometimes, but with more resources becoming available, it’s becoming easier and easier. Remember it’s a learning curve for many and know that with the right hair care regime you will have a beautiful head of healthy curls before you know it!
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