MopTop Blog
How to Protect Your Hair in the Pool
Hey Curl Bosses! Summer is here! That means sun, fun, and of course, plenty of pool time. 😎 While diving into a refreshing pool is the perfect escape from the heat, it's no secret that chlorine and saltwater can wreak havoc on our curls. Never fear! We’ve compiled some essential tips to keep your curls healthy and happy all summer long: Pre-Swim Protection Before you jump into the pool, let's talk about protecting your hair! Water, especially chlorinated water, tends to strip moisture from our hair, leading to dry, brittle, and frizzy curls. To combat this: Wet your hair with clean water before swimming. This might sound counterintuitive, but pre-wetting your hair with fresh water fills the hair shaft and prevents the absorption of chlorinated water. Apply a leave-in conditioner or a protective hair oil. These products form a barrier between your hair and harmful chemicals. Our Daily Conditioner is a fan favorite for its protective properties that keep curls hydrated and less prone to damage. Swim Caps: Not Just for Pros Consider wearing a swim cap. While it might not win any fashion awards, wearing a swim cap is a surefire way to protect your curls from chlorine exposure. If you're worried about ruining your style, opt for a swim cap that provides a bit more space and gentleness for your locks. Post-Swim Care After you’ve made your splash, it’s crucial to cleanse and treat your hair to prevent chlorine build-up and restore moisture: Rinse thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water as soon as possible after swimming to remove most of the chlorine or salt. Use a detox shampoo. If you’re swimming daily, use once a week to cleanse buildup without stripping natural oils. Our Detox Shampoo is designed to gently remove pool chemicals and hydrate your hair. Deep condition regularly. After clarifying, follow up with a deep conditioning treatment. Try our Deep Conditioner , which penetrates the hair shaft to replenish moisture and essential nutrients lost during your swim. Daily Hydration Between swims, keep your hair hydrated with a daily curl refresher. Our Leave-In Conditioner revitalizes curls, restores balance, and adds a layer of protection against environmental damage. Styling Tips Embrace easy, protective styles like braids, buns, or ponytails while swimming to minimize tangling and breakage. These styles keep your ends tucked away and reduce the surface area exposed to harmful elements. Enjoy the Season Finally, remember to enjoy the season! With the right care, your curls will thrive alongside your summer adventures. Whether you're poolside or beachside, let your curls shine as brightly as the sun. Curl on and splash into summer—your locks are safeguarded with us! Have questions? Email us hello@moptophair.com Stay Curly! 💛
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Dangerous Ingredients: 8 Haircare Ingredients to Avoid
❌ Dangerous Ingredients: 8 Haircare Ingredients to Avoid ❌ Maintaining healthy curls requires careful attention to the products you use. Many hair care products contain ingredients that can damage curly hair, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage. When you dip your toes into the world of non-toxic self-care, it can feel rather overwhelming at first so we put together a simple list of eight dangerous ingredients you should avoid to keep your curls looking their best: 1. Sulfates Why They’re Bad: Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are harsh detergents found in many shampoos. They strip away natural oils, leaving curly hair dry and prone to frizz. Alternative: Look for sulfate-free shampoos that use gentle, plant-based cleansers. Try our Gentle Shampoo filled with junk-free ingredients. 2. Silicones Why They’re Bad: Silicones like dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane create a false sense of smoothness by coating the hair shaft. Over time, they build up and prevent moisture from penetrating the hair, leading to dryness and dullness. Alternative: Opt for water-soluble silicones or silicone-free products that allow your curls to breathe. Try our Curly Hair Cream or Curly Hair Custard or any other styler to get the results you are looking for using natural ingredients. 3. Parabens Why They’re Bad: Parabens are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of hair products. They can disrupt hormone function and have been linked to certain cancers. Additionally, they can dry out curly hair, causing it to become brittle. Alternative: Choose paraben-free products that use natural preservatives like vitamin E or rosemary extract. 4. Alcohols Why They’re Bad: Not all alcohols are bad, but short-chain alcohols like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and propanol can dry out your hair and scalp, stripping away essential moisture and leading to frizz and breakage. Alternative: Look for products with fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, which help to condition and moisturize hair. 5. Synthetic Fragrances Why They’re Bad: Synthetic fragrances can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, some of which can cause allergic reactions, scalp irritation, and even disrupt hormones. Alternative: Choose products with natural fragrances derived from essential oils or those labeled as "fragrance-free." 6. Phthalates Why They’re Bad: Phthalates are often used to help fragrances last longer. They are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to a variety of health issues. For curly hair, they can cause dryness and damage to the hair shaft. Alternative: Select products labeled phthalate-free to avoid these harmful chemicals. 7. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers Why They’re Bad: Formaldehyde and its releasers (like DMDM hydantoin) are used as preservatives. They are known carcinogens and can cause skin irritation and hair loss. Alternative: Look for products that use safer, non-toxic preservatives and are labeled formaldehyde-free. 8. Mineral Oil and Petroleum Why They’re Bad: These ingredients create a heavy barrier on the hair, blocking moisture and leading to buildup. They can weigh down curls, making them limp and lifeless. Alternative: Opt for natural oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil, which nourish and moisturize without causing buildup. To Wrap it Up: Here at moptop, we incorporate clean, junk-free ingredients into our products in order to get the best results. The fewer the ingredients, the healthier for your hair and the smaller of a footprint we leave on the environment. Ingredients you WON'T find in moptop products: NO Sulfates NO Phthalates NO Parabens NO Wheat NO Silicones NO Dyes Choosing the right products for your curls can make all the difference in maintaining their health and vibrancy. Always read product labels carefully and opt for natural, gentle ingredients that work with your hair’s natural texture and needs. Want to learn more about what products are best for your specific hair type? Take our curl quiz now. Get started on your journey to embrace your natural curls and give them the care they deserve! Have questions? Email us hello@moptophair.com Stay Curly! 💛
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Master Your Nighttime Curly Hair Routine with These 10 Tips
Having curly hair is a gift, but it also requires a bit of extra care to keep those curls looking their best. A well-thought-out nighttime curly hair routine can make all the difference, allowing you to wake up with perfect, defined curls. At moptop, we're all about helping our fellow curly girls out so we put together our ten essential tips to help you master your nighttime curly hair routine: Start with Clean Hair Making sure your hair is clean before bed can help prevent buildup and keep your curls looking fresh. You don't need to wash every day, but on wash days, make sure you're using a sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner to maintain your natural oils and hydration. Clean hair is the foundation of a good nighttime curly hair routine. If you haven’t already, try our Gentle Shampoo and Daily Conditioner! Deep Condition Regularly Incorporate deep conditioning into your routine at least once a week. Deep conditioning helps to nourish and hydrate your curls, making them more manageable and less prone to frizz. This step is crucial for a successful nighttime curly hair routine. Try our Deep Conditioner on your next wash day! Detangle Gently Before bed, gently detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid breakage and minimize hair loss. Gentle detangling is a vital part of your nighttime curly hair routine to help your curls stay defined and free from knots. Apply a Leave-In Conditioner A Leave-In Conditioner can provide extra moisture and help define your curls overnight. Apply a generous amount to your damp hair, ensuring even distribution. This step helps your nighttime curly hair routine by keeping your curls hydrated and bouncy. Use the Pineapple Method The pineapple method is a popular technique for preserving curls overnight. Gather your hair into a high, loose ponytail on top of your head to prevent flattening and frizz. This method is a staple in a nighttime curly hair routine for maintaining curl definition. Protect with a Satin or Silk Scarf Wrap your hair in a satin or silk scarf before bed. These materials reduce friction, which can cause frizz and breakage, helping your curls stay intact and smooth. Protecting your curls with a satin or silk scarf is an important part of your nighttime curly hair routine. Sleep on a Satin or Silk Pillowcase If wrapping your hair isn’t comfortable, opt for a satin or silk pillowcase. It provides the same benefits by reducing friction and helping maintain your curls’ shape and definition. This simple switch can greatly enhance your nighttime curly hair routine. Avoid Heavy Products Using heavy products before bed can weigh down your curls and cause buildup. Opt for lightweight creams and gels that provide hold and moisture without leaving residue. Choosing the right products for your hair type is important for an effective nighttime curly hair routine. Try our Curly Hair Cream or Curly Hair Custard to get the most out of your curls. Not sure about the right products for your hair type? Take our curl quiz to learn more about your unique hair type and the best products. Braid or Twist Your Hair For a different curl pattern or to reduce shrinkage, consider braiding or twisting your hair before bed. This can help stretch your curls and reduce tangling. Incorporating braids or twists can add variety to your nighttime curly hair routine. Refresh Your Curls in the Morning In the morning, refresh your curls with a water-based spray or a light Leave-In Conditioner. Scrunch your hair gently to reactivate the products and reshape your curls. You can use our Mongongo Oil to eliminate flyaway hairs you may have the next morning. To Wrap it Up: Creating a nighttime curly hair routine that is maintainable and suits your specific needs can help you wake up with beautiful, defined curls every day that take less work to style overall. By incorporating these simple essentials into your routine, you can maintain the health and vibrancy of your curls so they look their best from the moment you start your day. Embrace your natural curls and give them the nighttime care they deserve! Email us hello@moptophair.com if you have any questions. Stay Curly! 💛
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Achieving the Perfect Curls for 4B and 4C Hair Types
How to achieve the perfect curls for 4B and 4C hair types. The journey to perfect and defined coils often involves a meticulous hair care routine. We believe that the right products can make all the difference!
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Styling Tips for Short Curly Hair
Hey there, curl bosses! Summer is coming up, and we know it can be challenging to manage those curls. This article will provide tips and tricks for styling short curly hair! Step 1: Wash Routine using Gentle Shampoo Due to its texture, curly hair tends to be drier, so hydration is critical! Opt for sulfate-free shampoos that gently cleanse without stripping natural oils. Try out the moptop Gentle Shampoo to allow your curls to retain moisture and shine while encouraging healthy curls! Follow up with a rich conditioner like the moptop Daily Conditioner to eliminate frizz and keep your curls bouncy and defined. Step 2: Define Those Curls with Curly Hair Cream & Curly Hair Custard Enhance your curl pattern with a curl-defining cream and gel. We recommend using the brand NEW moptop Curly Hair Cream, followed up with using the moptop Curly Hair Custard. When styling the Curly Hair Cream, work the product through very wet hair using the “praying hands'' method. Then, scrunch upwards to encourage curl formation. Use the same steps for the Curly Hair Custard. Try finger-coiling individual strands for tighter curls to enhance definition and shape. These curly hair products will make your curls look beautiful! Step 3: Diffuse with Care When blow-drying, use a diffuser attachment on low heat to minimize frizz and maintain curl definition. Gently cup sections of hair in the diffuser, moving it upwards towards your scalp to encourage volume and bounce. Whether you use a diffuser or let it air dry, always let your hair dry 70-80% before scrunching your curls to release the cast. Step 3: Play with Accessories Spice up your short, curly hair with fun accessories like headbands, scarves, or decorative clips. Not only do they add a pop of personality to your style, but they also help tame unruly curls and elevate your look effortlessly. Step 4: Day 2 and 3 Hair using Mongongo Oil Keep your curls fresh between washes using a continuous spray bottle or leave-in conditioner. Mist onto dry hair and scrunch to revive limp curls and add moisture for a quick pick-me-up. Mongongo Oil is an excellent addition for a sheen and moisture; a few drops are all it takes. Nighttime routine: Preserve your curls overnight by using a scarf or satin bonnet before bed. This prevents friction that causes frizz, allowing you to wake up to beautiful, voluminous hair in the morning. Remember, your curly hair is unique and beautiful, just the way it is! Embrace your natural texture, experiment with different styles, and, most importantly, have fun expressing yourself through your fabulous curls. Looking for the perfect products to enhance your short, curly hair? Explore our curly hair care products formulated specifically to nourish and easily style curly hair. Say goodbye to frizz and hello to gorgeous, head-turning curls! With these styling tips and a touch of confidence, you'll be unstoppable on your journey to embracing your short, curly hair and unleashing your inner curl boss! Products that were recommended in this post: Gentle Shampoo Curly Hair Custard Curly Hair Cream Mongongo Oil
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Four Step Process to Detox Your Hair
Over time, your hair may accumulate product residue including minerals, wax, shea butter, silicone and chlorine, along with natural dirt, oils and dead skin. Step 1: Evenly distribute directly to the scalp. Step 2: Massage & leave in for 1 - 3 minutes. Step 3: Rinse thoroughly. Step 4: Follow up with moisturizing conditioner to restore moisture.
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Curly Girl Festival Hairstyles to Rock All Day and Night!
Festival season is upon us and with the music, the fashion, and the overall vibes, comes what could be a natural curly girls’ nightmare–days and days of fun in a row, with the worry that your curls will fall flat and won’t show off your true shine. Refreshing your curls after wash day can seem scary, but it's possible!
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Big Curl Trends That Are Here to STAY!
Spring is here, which means it’s the perfect time to freshen up your curls and try something new! The top trends of 2022 are established and we are here to share them with you in case you’re ready to try a new cut, style, or just want some curly inspo! All the different styles and cuts that are trending have something in common–big curls are here to stay and be highlighted! If you were worried that this year’s trends might lean towards sleek and straight styles, you’re in luck – people everywhere are embracing their curls and are encouraging big volume leading into this season. More than just specific cuts and styles, the big trend for 2022 is to accentuate your natural curls and explore your texture! Curly Cuts The most popular curly cut requests in hair salons have been all about the layers! Modern shag cuts and rounded cuts with curly bangs (sometimes also called a fringe and ‘fro) are all the rage, and they actually enhance our gals’ natural curl patterns and show off your curls without weighing you down. Big win! Shag cuts are full of volume and offer body and shape for those who aren’t too concerned with extra size in their styles! Because the hair will be heavily layered with different lengths in different areas of the head, it gives your curls the freedom to flourish without sacrificing volume for length. The beauty of the shag is not only creating structure for your curls to thrive in, but it can also be done on all lengths of hair. If you’re already rocking long curls or have been keeping it short, there’s likely a way that the shag can work for you! Rounded cuts with curly fringe are, like their descriptor says, more rounded in their appearance because the volume is consistent throughout. These types of cuts give way to your curls, letting them expand and lay more densely. Unlike the shag cut, which can appear more angular and takes off more length in a choppy manner, the rounded cut encourages volume all the way around. This dense volume uses your frizz to your advantage and will bring all eyes on you! Both styles tend to feature a fringe to frame the face and highlight the eyes. As with all haircuts, it’s a good rule of thumb to talk with your hairstylist in depth about what you’re hoping to achieve with your new cut. Specifically, how to style it on your own once you leave the salon! We can recommend a few of our own products to take along with you on your new ‘do journey to make sure those curls stay rockin’: Our MopTop Curl Enhancer Gel, Curly Hair Custard, and Medium Hold Gel are all hot ticket items when it comes to styling your curls right. Treating your strands with love and quality products is the best way to show off a new cut or style!
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Happy Girls are the Prettiest - a Tribute to Aunt Margaret and International Women's Month
As we come to the end of International Women's Month, I sit here reflecting over the past year of 2021 and I can't believe it's over. It has been a great year in many ways and a challenging year in other ways. Heaven gained an angel just before Thanksgiving, my Great Aunt Margaret was an amazing woman, she was 98 years young! There were about 100 people at her funeral, which if you think about it, is astonishing, that at 98 years old there were that many people still engaged with her. But it is not surprising because she was so strong, funny, intelligent, and more interested in "you" than anything else. I hope that I can continue that legacy as well, especially as I look at my three beautiful daughters. In 1952, my great aunt Margaret was the first woman to start a furniture manufacturing company in the state of North Carolina. It is crazy to think that not only did she start a business as a woman in the early 50s, but she was also a wife and mother of two boys. Aunt Margaret was beautiful not just in her appearance but more importantly for the way she made everyone around her feel. I've recently heard it's offensive to say that Happy Girls are the prettiest. Really, is that offensive? This is a quote that I have always loved. When you look deeper into the quote, you can see better the context - what is before and what was behind it. Audrey Hepburn was the one that stated this and what she said was, "I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that Happy Girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles." What's not to love about it! I have three daughters and I work a lot with young women. I love to mentor young people - in my life I didn't have that many people close to me that could guide me. I love that when we laugh there's just joy, you can't be stressed when you're laughing. And I really do believe that we are our prettiest when we're laughing and happy. I am so drawn to pictures. We just did a photoshoot in July and honestly my absolute favorite pictures are the ones where they're laughing. It's just the best... it's a moment and I love to create as many moments like that as I can in my life and in my girls' lives. I want them to be strong, intelligent, funny, witty, and yes pretty, young ladies....and pretty has nothing to do with what they've been given from an appearance standpoint. Really it is just the essence of who they are and how they show up. I think it is best captured when they are smiling and laughing - HAPPY. There are so many pressures that we have in life that are hard. I think it's harder in this day of social media, cell phones, all the filters and everything else. Definitely so much more difficult for all of us. I know I always felt like an ugly duckling growing up and I've got the pictures to prove it, unfortunately. That was the basis of why I started this business. I have a couple of school yearbooks, and as I went through them, what caught my eye were notes from two different boys - one said, "hey poodle you're a real dog, brillo pad, fuzzy, ..... whatever." And what was funny is that these comments didn't bother me that much, I just kind of blew it off as these boys are just being rude. What was harder to handle were the girls, the mean girls. I think often in our attempts to feel prettier, or bigger or stronger, more important, girls in particular, will be mean. I think we can all agree that happiness is a form of self-care. It's good to laugh - it is hard to be stressed when you are laughing. You're actually at your prettiest when you are happy and that's something that I want to encourage my girls to understand. I guess a good question to ask right now is, and this is going to be an ongoing conversation, when do you feel your prettiest? When my children are happy it shows in their faces. And I think they look the prettiest they've ever looked regardless of whether they have done their hair, or they are messy from working out or just when they were younger, playing, getting dirty, painting, or whatever - seeing the joy radiating through their eyes, is what makes them look far prettier than anything else at all. I think that the message of the prettiest girls are the happiest girls is a good message. I think it's about promoting happiness and self-acceptance, not beauty. Let's let our daughters grow up without the pressure to conform to society's view of what's pretty. In fact, let's give ourselves a break too. We don't have to conform to what society's views as pretty. There's nothing wrong with enhancing how you're created and using products to keep your hair from being frizzy or whatever. That is the mission of my business - to help people embrace the way they're created, helping their natural beauty shine through. That is what this is all about. So, I ask you, what is your view of pretty?
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