3 Tips for Big, Frizz Free Curls even with Low Density Hair

I'm guessing the first thing you are going to as is..., "What's low density hair?" 

Well, check out this right here for a more in depth look at what hair density is and why its important to know what your type is to help you with your hair routines. 

Well, I not only have thin hair, I have low density hair too. So despite the volume the curls give me, if you hold it all together you could probably fit it all in a straw. Okay, not really a straw, but you get my point. Don't believe me? Look at SunkissAlba's wet hair after she twirled her hair vs mine...

Skip to 5:07 for that part

and here's mine... yes yes, I just jumped out the shower, I have no make up on..

I just don't have that much hair, as in individual strands of hair... so naturally, as much as I wanted big hair... I couldn't do the same things as the many curly hair videos I love watching. 

So the trick for us low density girls (and guys) is...

1. Get the right hair cut! 

This goes for all curlies out there, but curly hair especially needs the right shape to look gorgeous, unless you have super short or long hair...

The Christmas tree look (which is what you get if you don't have layers) is not working my love bugs. 

I still need to get my deva cut, but in the mean time I'm getting some shape by flipping my hair from one side to the others, which makes faux layers. 

2. Don't weigh your hair down!

Especially after I cut my hair, I realized I needed to adjust the amount of product I put in my hair (since I have less hair, obviously) but also just cause I have curly hair and need extra moisture doesn't mean that I need to slather it down with oil. Because of my hair texture, porosity, and density, I find that oil just makes it look like Professor Snape (Greasy) or greasy jerry curls... and it just weighs it down if I over do it... My hair does better with light creams or mousse (but beware of alcohol in it). 

Figure out your blend of concoctions for your curls, and remember sometimes less means more. 

3. Use a hair dryer (low heat) with a diffuser!

Although you need all three things for it to work, this is what puts the icing on the cake. I am all about no heat, but honestly even with low heat the diffuser makes it feel like it's on cool, even if I put it on high. This gives the soft curls and adds volume even with low density hair. 

I twirl my hair with Shea Moisture's Curl Enhancing Smoothie, and i use smaller sections. It works much better in smaller sections since it dries faster, and it really fluffs up each section well. I then smooth it and separate the curls with serum or oil. 

There you have it guys! I hope this helps you guys out and gives life to your curls! 

“Relaxing your hair is like being in prison. You're caged in. Your hair rules you. You didn't go running with Curt today because you don't want to sweat out this straightness. You're always battling to make your hair do what it wasn't meant to do.” 

― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Americanah

Spring Capsule Wardrobe

Spring Capsule Wardrobe by nia-maki featuring French Connection

As much as it does't seem like spring in the northeast (it actually snowed last night), it's that time of the year to change up your wardrobe. Out with the heavy coats and in with the classic trench coats. Good bye dark plums and hello pastels. That being said, this spring is the first spring I try out a capsule wardrobe, and after it will make a complete year of trying out to be a minimalist (wardrobe wise at least).

I've definitely had to adjust the rules I initially set and get used to new routines and styles of clothes. But I've enjoyed this experience and found out more about myself than I thought I would. After all, building a capsule wardrobe is just as much about finding out about what your true style is...what your want to say to the world about yourself through fashion, as it is about being practical, choosing quality over quantity, and simplifying.

The troubles I've had is with transitional periods, especially fall and spring, because I can't decide if I'd really want to put away certain pieces before the next season comes along. For example, the A-lines midi skirt would work just as well in the summer as it would in spring. Do I really "need" four capsule wardrobes instead of two? Or should I just narrow each season's selections and just have four?

As with any season, the backbone of your capsule wardrobe is your neural classic pieces. For spring, I've decided I wanted to focus on lighter neutral colors (the stain remover pen is already in my purse) like white pants and light wash jeans. But embracing my feminine style, I brought in more of the tulle/A-line midi skirts that I love so much. A maxi skirt for the colder days, and a couple dresses that can go from formal to casual depending on how you accessorize.

Spring 2015 Accessories by nia-maki featuring a yellow gold necklace

The accessories are where I like to mix in trends and make the clothes versatile. So Forever21, H&M, and such stores still get visits for costume jewelry, scarves, and an outfit of two in the seasons trending colors and styles. This year it's all about the brass/gold tones, asymmetrical earrings, choker-ish necklaces, and I still love the layered, delicate necklaces and stackable rings. 

Hopefully dressing the part will give the weather a clue that it's time to warm up [=

"You have a more interesting life if you wear impressive clothes."

- Vivienne Westwood

Kyoto and Osaka Photo Diary

 

Top 5 Hair Accessories I Love for Curly Hair

After becoming a self proclaimed curly hair naturalista, I realized just how difficult it can be to go au natural. The damage, the frizz, the products...it can all get pretty overwhelming and until you figure out your situation, its so easy to just put it all in a bun. Now there's nothing wrong with buns. There are lots of ways to style buns, but when that's what you turn to because your afraid of people eyeing your frizz and doing it as a last resort, then we have a problem.

Top 5 Hair Accessories by nia-maki featuring J.Crew

Photo Journal: Hakone, Japan

My Road to Minimalism: Having Less to Live More

What started as a fascination with the French capsule wardrobe evolved to looking into things like project 333, and eventually an overall infatuation with simple living. Being a hoarder and the ideal consumer (advertisements easily convince me I need things in my life...(-_-) ), this transition into minimalism is definitely taking a lot more time and is yet to become second nature to me. 

Simple Living by sue-mes featuring distressed furniture

Winter Skin Care Tips

Winter Skin Care by nia-maki featuring a face moisturizer

Skin care is already tricky on its own. What works for one person doesn't mean it will for the next person. Throw in skin types, allergies, and seasons and you end up with a shelf full of products that never get used, or an irritated face that needs some TLC. Knowing some general guidelines can help you pick products to help you with your winter skin care routine so save you some money and heartache. (We've all been there... no one likes throwing out bottles of virtually unused products)