moptop Blog
JunkFree Hands Hand Sanitizer
MopTop Hair was created after owner Kelly Foreman was teased for years due to her frizzy, wildly curly, uncontrollable “MopTop”. As she started her own family and saw her girls inherit varying textures of her hair, she was determined to come up with a solution to enhance and manage the beauty of natural curls. In an effort to protect her girls from feeling the way she felt as a kid bullied in school, Kelly decided to do something about it. The same rings true today, but this time, it has to do with you and your health! In March, hand sanitizer was flying off the shelf faster than Curly Hair Custard on Black Friday! This presented a major challenge for anyone looking to get their hands on anything that would help defend themselves against germs and this ruthless virus. The challenge continued as the availability of supplies like face masks, gloves, and surface cleaner plummeted and shelves all over the country were left empty. This not only became a problem for those looking to keep their family and home safe, but for business owners who even if deemed, “essential,” could not stay in business if they failed to adhere to high standards of cleanliness due a lack of supplies. Supplies have been backlogged and can take weeks on end for small business to receive. JunkFree Hands Hand Sanitizer is just our first step in leveling the playing field for small and medium sized businesses as they hunt for supplies in the fight to stay open. Launching next month, we will be rolling out a full JunkFree Office program designed for business owners who are looking for everything they need (hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, and surface cleaner) to be delivered to their door in one package. No inflated prices. No searching the internet for hours to find available products. Just your friendly MopTop curl gang helping you tame more than just your hair. If you or someone you know is interested in receiving more information on our JunkFree Office products, send us an email at hello@moptophair.com!
Learn more
Ask A Stylist! With Curly Hair Experts Scott Musgrave & Kelly Foreman
In this Zoom Interview, we address the concern, “Help me beat halo frizz” and “How do I keep my hair curly all day?” with countless valuable styling and product application tips along the way!
Learn more
Faith, Love, & Hope - Let's Spread That!
Tune in to any news station, search the internet, or talk with a friend, and “contagious” seems to be a word that cannot be avoided. While so many people are talking about stopping the spread of this virus, we want to bring light to the power of Faith, Love, and Hope... let's spread that!
Learn more
My Curly Start by Kelly, The MopTop Girl
From hair loss to a happy healthy scalp and hair! With all the buzz circling around hair loss, MopTop is here to be your curly-gal pal! We want to be your guiding light on how to have the healthiest hair and scalp! My mission here at MopTop is to inspire the world one curly head at a time, but this mission didn't just come about at random. Here at MopTop we believe a good hair day can change the world! As a young girl, I had been teased for my vibrant curls, I quickly conquered the “mop top” nickname. I used a curly method to the letter for about 5 years and began to experience hair loss. This was also right around the time my daughter started showing massive curls, so I decided to create a solution. “People make choices in life based on how they feel about themselves.” – Kelly Foreman Fast forward to 2005, MopTop was created! I researched everything under the sun. I interviewed over 200 stylists that had curly hair, I started playing with ingredients from the local natural food store. This is where I figured out that it needed to be water soluble, as well as taking other variables into consideration. I found that build up can occur from ingredients in products as well as from sebum (an oily waxy substance) that our bodies produce. My personal experience is that the buildup was causing my temporary hair loss. Historically there are companies that have built their entire brand around sebum and how to fight that issue. Wavy/curly/coily hair has other needs too though... So, there was the birth of MopTop! What an exciting adventure I was on! I am such a nerd and absolutely love hair, problem solving and sharing results. Finding “100% natural” products, food and lifestyles are not always possible these days. We do the best we can day to day to create a lifestyle that will keep us healthy, feeling beautiful, and most of all happy with ourselves! Personally, I believe I found the perfect blend between nature and science. MopTop not only helped detox my hair but gave it life that I wanted to share with others. How can we serve you? Below are the products I created and use. We have tips, videos and much more to help you have the hair you DESERVE. Detox Shampoo – our most important product! Use once every 4-6wks If your body produces a lot of oil, sebum or you just work out a lot, Co-Wash and Gentle shampoo are fine to use in-between. The MopTop Detox Shampoo removes all buildup so that the products you use, will work better and you won’t have to use as much! With 3 girls and lots of hair, it’s important that the products last and again, a little bit goes a long way. ***By no means am I a professional “Health Expert” but I do personally research products for my own knowledge. Some supplements I also use are the Vegetal Silica and Super Collagen. Hair grows 1/4-1/2 an inch per month, so be PATIENT! I also enjoy and recommend eating healthy, the daily workout, staying hydrated & LOVE to get some solid sleep! This is not a blog to pitch our products, we are here to HELP and to share my experience and things that have worked for me and my lifestyle. We want you to be a part of our love for beautiful hair and undoubtedly to love how you were created!
Learn more
Our Favorite Curly-Haired Influencers
One of the best things about MopTop is connecting with our community of natural haircare fans on social media. The incredibly honest, funny, brave, and beautiful guys and gals we follow are so inspiring to watch and learn from; we love picking up new curl-saving tips and tricks from them all the time! When you’re just getting started in your own curl journey, finding great curl influencers can help you discover the routine, products, and styles that work for your hair type. Below, we’re sharing a few of our longtime favorite Insta-ladies. We recommend giving them a follow if you don’t follow them already! @curly.mamma Amber, the mom of two behind @curly.mamma offers real-life perspective from her home base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. If you’re just starting out with the Curly Girl Method, her account (with over 31,000 followers) has great beginner tips! We also love her DIY apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse for a healthy scalp and her tutorial for a hair “pineapple” for sleeping with curls (sounds weird, but trust us: it works!). Amber is down-to-earth and relatable in the best way. She isn’t afraid to share the day-to-day we all can relate to (whether that’s postpartum hair loss, workout triumphs and fails, or living a transparent life on social media). @gratefulandgray Karen’s Instagram bio sums up why we love keeping up with her life: 👩🏻🦳Dye free 10.10.18 ❤️Encouraging women & promoting healthy living in body, mind and soul! ⏰ 46 yr old mom of 4 and wife to my jr. high sweetheart The gorgeous gal behind @gratefulandgray is breaking the stereotypes around graying hair. For over a year and a half she’s documented her journey of embracing natural gray hair and giving up the dye jobs for good. The results are not just gray, but gorgeous. Her platinum gray hair looks healthy and beautiful, and she’s always a good reminder that embracing what you’ve got is always easier (and sometimes a lot more beautiful!) than fighting against it. @goodgravyitswavy MaryAnn is like that fun neighbor or friend who always has the best tips. Whether she’s showing you how to rock curly bangs, mastering cute updos, or pulling together Mom-approved OOTDs, it’s always something worth bookmarking. If you have short hair, and looser curls or waves, MaryAnn of @goodgravyitswavy is a must-follow for sure! @wavytwistycurly Lauren Marie, the Denver-based curly girl behind @wavytwistycurly is a go-getter. She created the #CurlyinColorado Meetup which gives people embracing their natural curls a place to meet up, talk hair routines, swap products, and get to know each other. She’s another great resource for people just starting out on their curly journey. As someone who focuses on plant-based living, she recently told us the reason she loves using MopTop products is because she “never has to second guess what’s inside. The ingredients are always clean and safe for my curls!” @holisticenchilada Delilah of @holisticenchilada knows and shares her love of natural beauty, makeup, and haircare tips from her hometown of Orlando, Florida. For great videos and tutorials, her IGTV videos or Youtube channel is a sure bet. She documents everything from her favorite skincare products for dry skin, blue eyeliner tutorial, budget curly girl method routine, and lots more curly hair tips. Delilah is the first to tell you that not everything that’s popular or trendy works for her hair, which is just fine with her. She says, “My biggest tip to anyone embracing their natural hair is to not compare your hair to others...no one else’s hair is just like yours, and your hair is unlike anyone else’s. You can’t replicate someone else’s results, so don’t try; focus on your hair and soon enough you’ll be happy with it.” We couldn’t agree more. @brookeweinst Brooke is a dancer, fitness instructor and mom of two boys, but she’s also always a breath of fresh air on our feed. Her posts inspire and uplift us (and usually leave us wanting to turn up the music and dance). She is a true MopTop devotee, using only MopTop products to achieve her curly look that holds up after long days of workout classes and school pickups. One of @brookeweinst's recent posts summed up her bright, infectious energy perfectly: My favorite quote used to be, “Dance like nobody is watching.” Now, I’ve changed my thoughts. Dance like EVERYONE is watching! Cause why the hell not? ✨It’s ok to sparkle my friends ✨ YOU do YOU! And never apologize for that. We could go on telling you about all the awesome women we’ve connected with on Instagram, but we want to hear from you! Message us and let us know: who’s your current Instagram curl crush?
Learn more
Do Hair Vitamins Really Work?
A quick Amazon search for “hair vitamins” returns over 8,000 results. That’s thousands of gummies, pills, chewables, and powders all promising shinier, longer, or thicker hair. With a staggering number of brands to choose from (at relatively affordable prices), it leaves us wondering: do these supplements actually work? As the hair enthusiasts that we are, we decided to do a little digging to find out. Why are hair vitamins so popular? You’ve probably seen them on your Instagram feed, in the drugstore aisle, or on your friend’s bathroom counter. Hair vitamins are popping up everywhere because people want solutions to those frustrating, never-ending hair problems like frizz, dullness, thinning strands, or excessive hair shedding. Hair vitamins promise healthier hair — and something a little less tangible. A positive perception of your hair can actually improve how you feel about yourself — but that’s probably not news to you. The “good hair day effect” is universal. In 2018, InStyle magazine surveyed 1,463 American women of all races, regions, and life stages about, you guessed it, their hair: 81 percent of women reported that they feel the most confident when their hair looks great. 72 percent say feeling good about their hair is empowering. With numbers like that, the buzz over hair vitamins should come at no surprise. The supplements promise a unique advantage in the journey to beautiful hair: healthier hair under the surface, nourished from the inside out. What’s inside these gummies, pills, and powders? Depending on the brand and formula, hair vitamins may promise thicker hair, promoted hair growth, or shinier, more manageable locks (although it’s important to remember that the FDA is not required to review dietary supplement products for effectiveness before they are marketed). Most of these supplements are varying concoctions of proven vitamins, minerals, and other herbal ingredients that have traditional or scientific links to hair health. For instance, lots of hair supplements contain these key ingredients: Biotin: This is a biggie in the hair vitamin market. Biotin supports the core keratin structure of hair, strengthening each strand. It also benefits the health of your scalp and hair follicles by aiding productions of fatty acids which in turn help nourish hair. A lack of fatty acids in the diet could lead to dry skin, brittle hair strands, dandruff, or even eczema. Vitamin B-12: You may think of this vitamin as an energy-booster, but B-12 also promotes healthy hair growth by helping produce more oxygen-rich red blood cells, which nourish hair follicles. Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9): This B vitamin helps prevent premature graying, in addition to keeping red blood cell counts stabilized to nourish hair. Vitamin A: Every cell in the body needs Vitamin A for growth (including hair). The vitamin also helps produce sebum, the oily substance that moisturizes the scalp and helps keep hair shiny. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is vital for your body to develop collagen, a substance with the amino acids needed to create keratin for hair growth. In fact, several studies link Vitamin C to improved hair growth because this antioxidant also protects the scalp from free-radicals, which can contribute to hair loss over time. Vitamin D: Low levels of vitamin D are linked to alopecia. Research also shows that vitamin D may help create new follicles — the tiny pores in the scalp where new hair can grow. MSM: MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is a mineral found naturally in seafood, milk, grains, and green veggies. Its natural sulfur compounds are essential for collagen and keratin production as well as cysteine bonds which help hair strands hold their shape. These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to hair vitamin ingredients. Other formulas may include Saw Palmetto extract, Fo-Ti root (an herb used in ancient Chinese medicine), PABA (a type of folic acid used to promote better hair color), collagen, coconut oil, and more. Do these supplements actually help? The short answer: maybe. If hair loss, thinning, or other issues are caused in part or in whole by nutritional deficiencies, hair vitamins really may help improve your hair health. For women with a biotin deficiency, for instance, balancing biotin levels in the body could lead to promoted hair growth. Yet even hair vitamin manufacturers acknowledge that results don’t happen overnight. That’s because hair growth (no matter if it’s aided by vitamins or not) takes time; typically, two to three months of daily doses are needed to see visible improvement. Large patches of hair loss or hair loss accompanied by other physical symptoms could be a sign of a larger health issue and should be treated by a doctor. Could hair vitamins be worth trying out? Absolutely. But the best way to support healthy hair is a holistic approach to better care. When possible, skip heat styling; avoid styles like tight ponytails or braids that will cause excessive breakage; use natural, gentle products on hair (like junk-free shampoos, conditioners, and styling products); eat a balanced diet; and try to find ways to alleviate stress in your daily life. And if you do try a hair vitamin you love? Let us know!
Learn more
Daniel Castañeda Proves Curls Are For The Guys, Too
The MopTop Instagram feed is full of so many curly-haired trendsetters who inspire us daily. If, like us, you can get lost in an Instagram deep-dive of curly-haired accounts, you know that for the most part, it’s a girl’s game. Or at least, it has been until Daniel. Daniel Castañeda (@thedanielcastaneda) is paving the way for curly-haired guys, one post at a time. This Dallas-area Instagrammer has made caring for curly hair approachable for other guys looking to embrace their natural texture. While he may be relatively new to the world of curly hair care, he’s already made it his own. A short dive into his Instagram grid shows you Daniel’s personal journey to finding the routine that’s right for him (AKA #thedanielmethod). His is a down-to-earth, no-fuss approach; less products, less precision — ideal for guys like him who were conditioned to low-maintenance grooming. We love that he embraced his natural curls and love even more that he recently shared with us his inspiration for publicly documenting his journey, his favorite MopTop products, and how growing out his hair has changed him (for the better): MOPTOP: Tell me about your entry into being a curly hair influencer. What made you want to document your hair care process? DANIEL: When I was a kid, and even as a teen, I always had very short, buzzed hair. I kept it short because any time it would grow, it grew straight “out,” away from my head. I hated that it never looked like other guys’ hair. So I got my hair cut every two weeks like clockwork — for years. And I never really liked my hair; I couldn’t pull off hairstyles that I thought were cool growing up, because my hair never laid right. But then, I just got tired of buzzing it. And I had this curiosity to know what it looked like if I grew it out. When I first started growing it, I really didn’t understand anything about my hair. I didn’t know it had any sort of texture, or how to care for it, or anything. So, because I wanted to do this, I started researching. That’s when I had an “aha” moment that I actually had curly hair. But that wasn’t really the end of my research. The problem, I found, was that very few men had my hair type. I found information for natural hair for African American men, but it still wasn’t right for me. So I turned to women who were blogging or documenting their hair care process for curly hair. I learned about the Curly Hair Method. And it was helpful getting advice from women, but I really wanted to make it easy — very low maintenance. So I started playing around with what worked for me. I decided to share my day-to-day advice, thinking it would be helpful for other people, and it’s really just been a process of documenting it since then. MT: You are very transparent on your Instagram...is that something that you had to grow into being comfortable with? DC: Yes! I’m a very introverted person in real life. But putting myself out there on Instagram (by filming short videos and messaging with new people) has helped me be less shy. Of course, I think it’s easier to be confident on social media, but this has actually helped me feel a lot more confident around others. MT: What’s the most common reaction or comment you get on your hair either on social media or in real life? DC: I can say that it’s always a positive reaction! People say that they love it or that my hair is amazing. And then they may ask what I do to make it so curly. Because the MopTop Curly Hair Custard is my favorite product, I usually share that information with them. When they ask, I typically recommend the MopTop Gentle Shampoo, Daily Conditioner, and Curly Hair Custard. Those three products are all you really need to manage curly hair. MT: Would you say your followers are mainly female or male? What kind of feedback do you get from your followers? DC: I actually have a mix of followers. It’s great seeing more men follow me or reach out with questions. It’s nice to be able to help those guys out because I never had that male resource to go to for tips. Most of the time, guys who are new to growing out their hair have no idea what to do. They have no frame of reference, really. They just know they shampoo their hair every day. So I usually start with the basics and try to keep it easy. Just passing on those tips can help start to normalize curly hair care for men. MT: How do you deal with negative comments or feedback? DC: I’ve only gotten a few “negative” DMs on Instagram. They’re usually not mean-spirited or anything, but they’ll mention something like, “Oh, have you heard of keratin treatments… it’ll straighten your hair and make it look better.” And I usually just let them know (in a kind way!) that’s not what I’m about. Some people get it and some people don’t. I just focus on being a resource for those people that really understand how embracing natural hair is a good thing. MT: Would you say your hair styling methods are low maintenance or high maintenance? DC: I would say low-maintenance. I’ll either co-wash every third day and shampoo once a week. I also try to deep condition once a week. For styling, I keep it to two products at the most: a gel and a leave-in conditioner. Because I try to keep it super simple, sometimes I have frizz or my curls aren’t perfect. I don’t stress about it. MT: Why do you think embracing your natural hair is important? What has doing so given back to you in your life? DC: I think it’s helped me finally like (and understand) my hair after years of not liking it. And it’s helped me break out of my shell. Getting to meet people and interact with them on Instagram has given me confidence and really helped me be less socially awkward! Thank you, Daniel! Follow Daniel for more curl inspiration at @thedanielcastaneda.
Learn more
Here's the Scoop on Why We're Proudly Silicone-Free
Shiny, smooth hair = healthy hair, right? Well, kind of. When hair is moisturized and well cared for, the outer structure of each strand of hair (the cuticle) remains sealed and smooth, giving hair an overall healthy sheen. Each strand also becomes softer, making hair easier to manage and style. But, healthy, naturally shiny hair doesn’t happen overnight. It can take time and effort to moisturize and nourish your hair from the outside in — especially if your locks are regularly heat-styled or color-treated. However, back in the 1950s, hair product manufacturers discovered a way to mimic the look and feel of healthy hair in just one wash. Today, most shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care products on the market still include this type of additive. The cheap, effective shortcut to silky, smooth hair? Silicones. You’ve probably heard about silicone-free hair care or the “truth” about silicones, but maybe you don’t understand why this little ingredient causes such buzz in the hair care world. Below we’re talking about silicones and explaining why our MopTop products are formulated without the (often controversial) ingredient. What are silicones? Silicones are a group of synthetic, polymer materials (usually described as somewhere between rubber and plastic) that are found in all types of household and beauty products, from cooking utensils to makeup and hair care products. The Good and the Bad When used in shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in styling products, silicones can create shiny, touchably soft hair. And to be clear, silicones aren’t all bad; the coating they create sits on top of the hair cuticle, sealing the cuticle from outside humidity, locking-in moisture inside the strand, and even offering heat protection when styling with hot tools like hair dryers or curling irons. But, let’s be clear: silicones are a very short-lived fix. The shine and softness they create are because of a thin, plastic-like coating — not because of healthy, hydrated hair. Since silicone is left behind after washing and drying your hair, the residue can attract styling products, dirt, pollution, and other gunk that causes excessive build-up on your hair over time. This makes hair feel weighed down, oily, and limp. When hair is coated with product build-up, conditioners and other moisturizing treatments can’t penetrate through the silicone layer to moisturize the hair cuticle. Over time, hair becomes drier, brittle, and more prone to splitting. Once product build-up occurs, the process of removing it often strips hair of its natural oils, too. This leaves hair dry and dull. Many people will then reach for silicone-based products again to restore shine and softness, creating a cycle of long-term hair damage. If silicone is left unchecked, it causes dry, brittle hair in addition to coating the hair shaft it can potentially clog the hair follicle. We always recommend using a detox shampoo once every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain a healthy scalp and hair. Not All Silicones are Created Equal Some silicones found in hair care products are “water-insoluble”, or don’t fully dissolve in water. This means their shiny coating is more difficult to remove and can lead to greater product build-up with time. These types of silicones should most be avoided: Dimethicone Cyclomethicone Amodimethicone Listed ingredients ending with “-cone” Other types of silicones are water-soluble, meaning they can more easily be removed from hair when washing. That means that while product build-up can still occur, it will happen more slowly, and can be counteracted with regular use of a clarifying shampoo. Examples of these water-soluble silicones include: Dimethicone Copolyol Lauryl Methicone Copolyol The Truth About Silicones for Curly Hair For curly hair especially, silicones can be extra drying. That’s because most curly hair is naturally drier than straight or wavy hair. Over time, the dryness that comes after using silicone products will cause even more damage to curly hair. In addition, the heaviness that occurs as a result of product build-up can actually disrupt a natural curl pattern and weigh down curls. The result? Less defined, less vibrant, and less hydrated curls. MopTop is Silicone-Free When we created MopTop products, we wanted to create something that we couldn’t find on the market: hair care products that nourish hair without the product build-up that can weigh down natural volume. When formulating our products, we hand-selected every ingredient, making sure to only include the natural elements that improved hair’s health and appearance. We wanted to take out the “fake” shine of silicone and create a product that creates natural, long-lasting shine. We selected products that helped us achieve a perfect balance between nature and science in order to create the best consistent result. While it is okay to use silicone-containing products every once in a while, our MopTop products are designed for daily use and don’t cause excessive product build-up. You can feel good reaching for MopTop shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, knowing that with each use you’re giving your hair the nourishment it needs to look and feel beautiful all on its own.
Learn more
4 Tips for Smoother Hair this Winter
A few extra steps in the winter to nourish and pamper your hair can be all the difference. It’s possible to have plenty of good hair days even on dry winter days; learn how!
Learn more