7 Tips for Curly Haired Girls

by Lindsay | Jan 17, 2024 | Home + Life

Hey there, fellow curly girls!

If you’ve ever spent hours detangling, struggled to find a hat that actually fits and doesn’t create severe hat head, or cursed the humidity for turning your perfectly styled locks into a frizzy mess, then you’re in good company.  Welcome to the wonderful world of curly and wavy hair, where brushing is an absolute no, every day is unpredictable, and finding a good stylist is like striking gold.  As a curly girl for myself, I have a few tips and tricks to share that I’ve learned during my curly hair journey that only we could understand.  So grab your favorite gel and get ready to chat about all things related to our fabulous, textured hair!

Before we get started though, let me first say that I’m not a hair stylist, nor a curl expert.  Everything you’re about to read is based on my own experiences and opinions, so please implement these tips at your own risk.  Also remember that everyone’s curl type, curl pattern, hair thickness, hair health, etc. is different, so things that may work for me may not work for you.  I’m simply sharing what I’ve learned through the years in hopes to help someone else on their unique curly journey, but experimentation is important to find exactly what works for you.

But now that that’s out of the way, let’s get into it!

Tip 1:  Hydration is Key

Are you tired of your curls or waves feeling like a tumbleweed?  One issue could be that you’re over-washing.  If you have curly or textured hair, it’s recommended that you say goodbye to daily hair washing (yay!) and let those luscious locks get dirty!  Well, not really, but it is important to avoid washing too often which can strip away natural oils and lead to drying out and added frizz.  How often you should wash your hair really will depend on your particular hair texture and could also be affected by your daily routines such as your job environment or workout intensity, but washing anywhere from every other day to once a week could be normal.  Just test it out until you figure out the right balance that works for you.  And don’t be afraid of a little dry shampoo!

On wash days, be sure to opt for a moisturizing shampoo that will gently cleanse without leaving your strands thirsty for hydration.  And don’t skimp on the conditioner!  However, you don’t want to weigh your hair down in the process by using too much conditioner which can stretch out curls or reduce volume at the roots, so try focusing your moisturizing conditioner only mid-shaft to the ends.  You can even let it sit a few minutes before rinsing.  Hair masks and deep conditioning treatments are also an amazing idea for extra periodic hydration.

Tip 2:  Never Brush Out Your Curls (unless you want a messy ball of frizz)

First off, throw away that regular brush!  Seriously, just toss it out and let it find its way into someone’s straight hair because brushes and curls or waves are mortal enemies.  Instead, opt for a wet brush, wide-tooth comb, or even just use your fingers if it’s not too snarly after washing and conditioning.

Second of all, don’t even think about brushing your curls when they’re dry.  No amount of detangler or gel can save you from that frizz bomb waiting to explode.  And by the way, you have my permission to ignore people who say things like, “ew, you don’t brush your hair?”  They don’t understand and that’s ok.  But back to the point…

Lastly, embrace the chaos and volume.  Let those waves and kinks do their thing because perfection is overrated anyway.  In my opinion, the least amount of brushing or combing and the messier the better when it comes to curls and natural texture.  Once my hair is detangled, I like to play with and separate the curls as little as possible.  And the best part is that since we don’t wash every day, we don’t have to brush and detangle every day like straight-haired girls do!

Tip 3:  Hats Are an All Day Commitment, So Be Ready

Finding a hat that actually fits over our glorious curls is like trying to stuff a watermelon into a tea cup.  Sometimes “one size fits all” hats means only when you have perfectly smooth, sleek hair that doesn’t defy gravity.  You’ve got to be willing to embrace hat head and smooshed curls until your next wash day, making wearing a hat truly a commitment.

But fear not, curly girls!  Wearing a hat is possible, as long as you’re ready for that commitment.  It’s like wearing a ponytail; once you do it, there’s no going back.  Ponytail holders (which my daughter and I have always called “pretties”) and hats alike tend to crush curls and ruin perfect curl patterns, so in my opinion, it’s best to do it on the last day before you wash.  Plus, a good hat or pony could be the perfect way to hide hair that needs to be washed anyway.  You know what I mean; we’ve all been there!

Whenever you are ready to commit to your hat head for the day, there are ways to wear a hat that will even look flattering over top of all that volume and texture.  Embrace a slouchy beanie and let those cute little curls around your face peek out.  Or consider rocking a high ponytail or pigtail braids when wearing a baseball cap to give your hair the extra space it needs to breathe while looking sporty and fun.  Have I mentioned that some guys love it when girls wear their hats?!

Tip 4:  Never Let a Good Stylist Get Away

Something you do actually want to commit to is a good stylist.  Let’s take a moment to recognize the importance of finding a good, trustworthy stylist for us curly girls.  The right person who knows you and your unique hair type is something rare so when you find the perfect person that you and your curls connect with, don’t let them go!

Since I’ve had my fair share of hair horror stories and been traumatized way too many times from less-than-desired haircut results, I admittedly will sometimes wait way too long in between trims.  The fear of a bad cut outweighs the split ends for me.  However, just remember that keeping your hair trimmed will not only keep it healthy, but also help ensure your style stays more tame and shaped so your curls will look their bouncy best.

We curly haired folks need someone who understands the unique challenges of our locks and doesn’t treat them like straight hair.  Let’s not pretend they’re the same!  A good stylist knows that cutting curly hair is an art form, not just a quick snip-snip situation.  We all deserve to walk out of the salon feeling like Beyoncé in her Crazy in Love music video…fierce, fabulous, and ready to take on the world one curly strand at a time.  So be diligent about choosing the right stylist and never let them go when you find them.

Tip 5:  Wash-and-Go with Curly Hair Is a No-Go

So, you’ve got curly hair and you’re thinking of just washing immediately before heading out the door?  Nope, you can stop right there.  Let me tell you, the wash-and-go approach with curly hair is like playing a game of Russian roulette — one wrong move and your curls can turn into a puffy mess!  Curls absolutely have a mind of their own and letting them call the shots can mean they’ll take over the world (on our head).  So as much as I know you’d love to hop out of the shower and be ready to head out the door, resist the urge and leave a little time for some extra TLC to keep those curls in check.

For us curlies, it’s not as simple as lather-rinse-repeat; it’s more like a 10-step process.  Trust me when I say that embracing the wash-and-go life without proper care is asking for trouble—mainly frizz!  After all, nothing worth having comes easy.  Styling is an intricate process involving just the right amount of product and strategic air drying or defusing techniques.  Maybe instead of washing your hair in the morning, the evening would be a better choice for you to wash so you have more time to style.  Just be sure not to go to bed with wet hair and that it’s completely dry before hitting your pillow.

Tip 6:  Be Open to Embracing Your Unpredictable Curl Pattern

Let’s not forget that our curl pattern seems to have a mind of its own.  One day it’s ringlets galore, the next it’s more waves than curls, and some days it’s both at once!   Embracing the chaos of curly hair is like riding a rollercoaster.  You never know which way it’s going to twist and turn.  But hey, isn’t that what makes life and our locks so much more exciting?

The key to embracing your unpredictable curl pattern is to treat it like a mischievous friend who always keeps you on your toes.  Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, it throws you for a loop with a totally new curl formation.  Instead of trying to force your curls into submission, try to lean into the madness.  Let your curls be their wild, untamed selves and revel in the uniqueness of each unruly strand.  One day they might want to part in the middle, one day they might want a side part.  My suggestion for the best hair day is to just allow them to do exactly as they want and work with your curls instead of against them.  Although yes, we can have bad hair days just like everyone else, giving your strands a little freedom to lay as they will might reduce the chances.

Not only are curl patterns different on the same day depending on where they are on your head, but patterns also might look different on each day in between washes.  As your curls stretch out since the last time they’re wet, they can be different on day one, two, three, etc.  Although some might say it’s best to use heat tools as little as possible, you might opt to touch up some of the most straight pieces with a curling iron or wand to give them a little bounce back until rewashing.  Or spritz with a little water and scrunch in a bit more gel to refresh your curl pattern between wash days.

Tip 7:  Combat Frizz to Keep Your Curls Tame

Humidity can be the curly or wavy girl’s worst enemy.  One minute you’ve got a fabulous mane of bouncy curls and the next you’re rocking a frizz ball that could double as a science experiment.  But fear not, fellow curly girls!  Embracing your natural texture doesn’t have to mean surrendering to humidity.  Sure, it may take some trial and error, but finding the right products and techniques can help you conquer even the most moist of summer or rainy days.

Depending on whether you prefer your curls to have that more defined “wet” look or to have a softer and more natural look, you’ll need to experiment with products until you get your desired effect.  With so many products out there, from mousses and gels to curl creams and serums, there’s no shortage of options.  Your hair may be different from other curly girls’ hair so remember that what works for some might not work for others.  Additionally, if you live in humid places like the Florida coast or Houston, you’ll likely need different products than if living in Yellowstone.  Don’t be afraid to test out new products and even try different combinations of products.  And remember, just like applying makeup, sometimes you have to practice a few times before you get the amount, application method, drying technique, etc. just right so be sure to try a few times before moving onto something else.

If you prefer the wet look, opt for lightweight yet strong hold gels that lock in curls without weighing down your strands.  If you prefer the more natural look, opt for a curl cream or mousse which will give you a much looser hold and softer feel.  Or if you still prefer to use a gel but want a softer appearance, once you dry naturally or defuse, be sure to flip your head upside down and “scrunch out the crunch” as they say, which basically just means to scrunch your curls from the tips up toward the roots to break up the cast left behind by the gel and make them less crunchy feeling.  This still gives you optimal hold, but without as much of that wet look.

Embrace the Unique Beauty of Your Curly Hair

So there you have it, folks!  Life with curls and waves is unpredictable and possibly more work than straight hair, but I’ve done my best to share my tips and tricks to help you on your curly hair journey.  Try to embrace it all and be grateful for your unique hair, no matter your pattern, texture, and styling challenges.  You’re a curly girl.  You’re unique, you’re beautiful, you’re messy, and you’re perfectly made.  Embrace it!

With lots of love, gratitude, and mousse…

-LS

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas Using Shredded Chicken

by Lindsay | Jan 10, 2024 | Home + Life

Hi there, busy and hungry people!

Trying to figure out what to make for dinner this week?  I can help!  Let’s talk about a magical ingredient that, in my opinion, should be a staple in every kitchen:  shredded chicken.  Not only is it a time-saving superhero, but it also packs a powerful punch of protein and can be used to prepare a huge variety of nutritious and delicious dishes that your family is sure to love.

Before we get into some of my specific dinner suggestions, let’s briefly address the benefits of shredded chicken and why I personally choose to cook with it so often.  First of all, it’s incredibly versatile; it’s like the culinary chameleon of proteins.  Toss it in tortillas for a taco fiesta, layer it in sandwiches for a lighter option, use it to make a hearty soup or casserole, or sprinkle it on top of salads for some extra flavor.  With shredded chicken at your disposal, you’ll never run out of meal ideas that are diverse and tasty.

Additionally, incorporating shredded chicken as a main ingredient into your cooked-up creations can be a cost effective option.  Since you’re able to prepare the chicken and then use it in a variety of ways, you can still get an assortment of protein-packed dinners every night while saving some money.  Whether you fancy something saucy, spicy, or simple and kid-friendly, shredded chicken will be your trusty sidekick in satisfying your taste buds without turning your freezer into a zoo.

Furthermore, shredded chicken is a total game-changer when it comes to whipping up a fuss-free feast.  It’s not just versatile and yummy, but it’s also super easy to prepare.  And the mouthwatering dishes you can create with it are equally as effortless, making shredded chicken the secret weapon for even the most inexperienced chef (like myself!) to whip up gourmet masterpieces.

But perhaps the most underrated benefit of using shredded chicken is its ability to save precious time during those hectic family dinner nights.  No more waiting for whole chicken breasts or thighs to cook on the range or in the oven after getting home from work, dance lessons, and football practice.  Feel free to use a pre-made rotisserie chicken for the most time savings or simply boil your chicken breasts or thighs on the stove immediately before going on to prepare your dish.  However, doing this step ahead of time is even more ideal if you’re looking for the most efficient and timely weeknight prep times, so feel free to meal prep a batch of shredded chicken let’s say on a Sunday afternoon before the start of your busy week.  Throwing your chicken in a slow cooker for a few hours, if you have the extra time to do so, is especially great when using the breasts to keep them tender and juicy before storing or adding them to each individual recipe during the week.

How to Cook the Chicken

Now that we’ve discussed some benefits, let’s chat about the preparation.  If you’re using a rotisserie chicken, simply start shredding whenever you’re ready!  But if you’re cooking your chicken on the stovetop, whether on the fly or ahead of time, here’s how you can do so:

1. In a large pot, place your chicken and enough chicken broth or water to cover it.  I usually use around 1 lb. of boneless, skinless breasts, but I’m also currently just cooking for myself so it might be better for you to prepare 2 lbs. if you have a larger family or are hoping for even more leftovers.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Cover and cook for around 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.  **Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the inner temperature for doneness (typically around 165 degrees).  You don’t want to cook your chicken too long as overcooking can affect the texture and nobody likes rubbery chicken!
5. Remove your chicken from the pot and shred using two forks.  I usually do this on a cutting board, but you can also use a plate or bowl.
6. Use your chicken to prepare your meal right away or transition it to an airtight container to be stored for later use.

When using a slow cooker, I typically follow the same steps as above, but cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.  Again, make sure it’s thoroughly cooked before proceeding with any further steps.

Once cooked, your shredded chicken can usually be kept chilled in the fridge for around 3-4 days if packaged properly.  If you don’t plan on using it in that time frame though, consider freezing it so it stays its freshest until you’re ready to use it.

With your pre-cooked and shredded chicken on hand, now you’re ready to whip up a satisfying meal in no time flat.  Plus, you’ll have enough variety to keep your taste buds entertained all week long without sweating over the stove for hours every single evening.  So next time you’re feeling stumped about what to make for dinner, turn to that trusty container of shredded chicken and let your creativity run wild.  And here’s where I can help!

Shredded Chicken Dinner Ideas

Now that we’ve gone over some of the benefits of using shredded chicken, it’s time to get into the good stuff…the recipes!  So whether you’ve got breasts, thighs, or half a rotisserie from last night, grab some forks and start shredding while I share some of my all time favorite shredded chicken dinner ideas that you can keep in your pocket for a busy week.

Chicken Tacos

Heat your chicken however you prefer, either on the stove or in the  microwave.  You can even cook it with one of the taco flavoring packets and in which case you should just follow the directions on the packet.  When your chicken is warm, place the prepared meat inside flour tortillas, corn tortillas, or crunchy taco shells.  Top with your favorite fixings, such as tomatoes, lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, guacamole, or salsa.  Get everyone involved and let them make their own taco masterpieces to taste.  Great for Taco Tuesday nights with the whole family!

Chicken Nachos

Using similar ingredients as the chicken tacos, simply change out your tortillas or taco shells for some corn tortilla chips.  Layer the chips on your plate, top with your heated chicken, then pile high all the traditional toppings you wish.  Add some heat with jalapenos, some extra protein with refried or black beans, and sauce it up with some salsa or queso.

Chicken Quesadillas

For my quesadillas, I like to buy the large burrito tortillas, but really any flour tortillas will do.  Spray your heated skillet with a non-stick cooking spray, then place in one tortilla.  Add your chicken and the cheese of your preference.  Top with another flour tortilla.  Once the bottom starts to brown slightly and your cheese starts to melt, flip your quesadilla in the pan.  I usually use a spatula or plate to flip so I can lose as little of the contents as possible.  Once the bottom starts to brown again, it’s ready to transfer your quesadilla to a plate and cut it.  I personally like to serve my quesadillas with lots of smashed avocados or guacamole, but feel free to garnish it as you wish.

Chicken Enchiladas

Use your favorite premade enchilada sauce or make it from scratch, mix it with your chicken, then spoon it into some white corn tortillas.  Place them seam down into a baking dish and top with some additional enchilada sauce and Mexican blend cheese.  Then bake at a 350 degree oven until heated throughout and your cheese starts to melt and bubble, usually about 15-20 minutes.  These are great when served with some refried or charro beans, rice, and a side salad.

Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

This one is super simple, but super tasty.  Simply heat up your chicken, mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce (my personal favorite is Sweet Baby Ray’s), then serve it on a roll or toasted bread.  I tend to put cheese on everything, so I usually top mine with some shredded cheddar, but that’s of course optional.  This is especially great for a summer dinner and pairs well with some potato salad, chips, or cole slaw.

Chicken Parm Sandwiches

This is probably my favorite dish on the list!  I love anything with sauce and cheese though, so this one isn’t hard for me to love.  Similar to the pulled BBQ sandwich, you simply heat your chicken and mix it with your favorite marinara sauce.  Place on top of toasted bread or even garlic bread, then finish it with some mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.  Mmmmmm!

Chicken Spaghetti

If you like the idea of chicken and marinara, but aren’t in the mood for a sandwich, use it to top your favorite pasta.  All you’ll have to do is cook up some spaghetti or ziti noodles, pour on your saucy chicken, then whip up a side salad and some garlic knots and you’re all set with an Italian feast!

Chicken Alfredo

Feeling a little more like fettuccine than spaghetti?  Well nothing goes better with fettuccine than shredded chicken and some alfredo sauce.  You can make your cheesy sauce using your own recipe or just choose to pick up your favorite jarred brand to speed up the process.  Cook your noodles and toss with the chicken and alfredo.  Serve in a similar way as the chicken spaghetti.

Chicken Pizza

Are you a pizza maker?  Break out your Ooni pizza oven and make your dough.  Then top with pizza sauce, shredded chicken, whatever veggies you like, and finish with shredded mozzarella and parmesan.  Quick, easy, and kid approved!

Chicken with Rice and Veggies

This one is great because you can use whatever rice and veggies you prefer and make it slightly different each time.  Prepare some white, brown, or wild rice according to your preference, then mix in your chicken and cooked veggies.  Choose to add anything from carrots and green beans to corn, bell peppers, or broccoli.  Get even a little fancier and add a splash of soy sauce or Mae Ploy to your dish.

Chicken and Gravy Potato Bowls

I love to make some chicken gravy mix (or you can use your favorite jarred brand), then mix it with my shredded chicken and place it on top of creamy mashed potatoes and corn.  Sometimes I also top with some shredded cheese if I’m in the mood (which I usually am!).  Fresh dinner rolls go perfectly with this meal and are great for dunking in any extra gravy.

Chicken Soup

Making a nice chicken soup in the slow cooker is great, but nobody has time for that on a Monday!  In a large pot, I’ll throw in my shredded chicken, some chicken broth, and either cooked rice, egg noodles, or barley.  I also add in my vegetables which usually consist of some combination of canned carrot slices, corn, cubed russet or golden potatoes (peeled or not peeled, your preference), chopped celery, and onion.  I simply let this all simmer until all my veggies are cooked and soft, typically around 30 minutes or so.

As you can see, shredded chicken is truly the unsung hero of family dinners.  Not only is it convenient and cost-effective, but it’s also incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes that are both delicious and healthy.  Plus, it’s kid-approved, making mealtime a breeze for busy families.  Whether you’re whipping up tacos or sandwiches, the possibilities for leftover shredded chicken recipes are endless.  So next time you’re at a loss for what to make for dinner, consider keeping some shredded chicken on hand for a stress-free cooking experience that will satisfy the whole family.

Let me know if you try any of these suggestions and share your favorite recipes.  Happy cooking!

-LS