Join The Mid-West Farm Report Team
The Mid-West Farm Report Network is ready to add some fresh faces and energy to our reporting team! If your passion is talking and sharing stories and content about Wisconsin agriculture – you could be our match! With a busy calendar ahead of us, we’re looking to integrate our new team member or members fairly quickly, so don’t let this opportunity slip by.
This is an on-site position, so you would need to be located with 45 minutes or less of Madison. Travel will be required both in and out of state. Hours vary, but we try to keep a fairly normal clock most times of the year. Benefits including 401K are offered as well.
Here’s a general job description to give you something to think about.
If the idea of a perfect day includes getting out and meeting farmers and ag professionals and reporting on what you learned on our stations and social media, then you’re going to love it here! This opportunity is for someone passionate about all of Wisconsin ag. We want you to help grow our audience, our sales, our state-wide farm network, and on-air reporting content.
An ideal candidate will have hands-on knowledge of agribusiness and can easily relate to the needs and concerns of rural communities and businesses that service agriculture. Like anything related to farming, a strong work ethic is a must—so much so that you didn’t even need to read this last sentence.
Previous on-air and/or promotions experience is considered a big plus but not required. We gotta make hay while the sun shines, so a flexible schedule is required. And because we travel around the state, we offer some limited remote work flexibility. This job position is based in Madison, WI. You must be there a majority of the time.
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS:
We seek a creative and imaginative person with good communication and organizational skills. A good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel is helpful, but meeting deadlines and handling multiple projects is critical. You must also be well-versed in working with and using social media. A core value at MWF is a positive attitude and the ability to contribute to a productive and successful environment.
Mid-West Family Madison is an equal-opportunity employer. Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply.
SALARY:
Salary commensurate with experience and a full benefits package is available. Plus, a sign-on bonus for a two-year commitment.
CONTACT:
Please, no calls. Mail or e-mail resume and air-check to:
Mid-West Farm Report Network
Attn: Pam Jahnke – Farm Director
730 Rayovac Dr.
Madison, WI. 53711
National FFA Partners With World Dairy Expo
World Dairy Expo is proud to announce that the National FFA Organization has officially endorsed and will promote World Dairy Expo’s 2026 FFA Dairy Judging Contest to its national membership. This collaboration expands opportunities for leadership, hands-on learning, and meaningful connections within agricultural education.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In 2025, more than 100 schools from across the United States participated in the FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at World Dairy Expo, underscoring the enthusiasm and commitment of FFA members nationwide.
“Historically, this contest has drawn strong participation from Midwest chapters, along with dedicated teams traveling from as far as California, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Texas,” said Lexa Miller, Cattle Show & Contests Coordinator for World Dairy Expo. “This partnership will encourage even more chapters to make the trip to Madison and further strengthen an already outstanding competition and educational experience.”
The 2026 FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Contest will take place on Tuesday, September 29, in Madison. FFA chapters across the country are encouraged to learn more by visiting the “Contests” section at worlddairyexpo.com. Registration opens July 13, 2026, and closes September 11, 2026.
“This initiative reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders—individuals who will make a lasting impact on their communities and the world,” said Christine White, Chief Program Officer for the National FFA Organization. “World Dairy Expo offers an unmatched opportunity for young leaders to connect with the dairy industry at its highest level and be part of an event that defines excellence in dairy cattle evaluation. These are exactly the kinds of partnerships we seek for our FFA members.”
Be Your Own Stylist: A Coachella Lookbook with Meg Ann Lee
Hey, I am Meg Ann Lee and I STILL have never been to Coachella (crying in the club rn). So, I threw myself a little styling challenge instead. 6 festival-ready outfits, pulled straight from my closet, zero overthinking. Honestly? Some of my favorite looks I've ever put together. There's something about giving yourself a theme and a time limit that unlocks a different kind of creativity - you stop shopping for the vision and start actually SEEING what you already own. That silk slip you forgot about. The vintage belt buried in a drawer. The boots you've worn a hundred times but never with THAT top. I live streamed the festival all weekend while I styled (highlights: Dabeull, Newdad, Teddy Swims, Rezz, Sabrina Carpenter, and Justin Bieber), and somewhere between sets it hit me - being your own stylist and playing dress up is what makes these event so fun. I challenge you to go into your closet and create new outfit combinations you've never worn before! You already have the pieces. You just have to look at them differently <3
P.S. reel's up - tell me which fit you're recreating!
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Things I Don’t Do to My Hair Anymore as a Hairstylist and What I Do Instead
Hey - I'm Meg Ann Lee, hairstylist and makeup artist in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. I've been behind the chair for almost a decade and I help you create your dream hair. I care way too much about color science and keeping it real with my clients and their hair goals. Here's the thing about being a hairstylist - you learn the science behind everything you've been doing wrong, and then you have a choice. Keep doing it because it's comfortable, or actually change. I chose change, and my hair has never been better for it.
So let me walk you through the habits I've dropped and what replaced them.
I stopped overwashing.
I wash my hair like twice a week now. Sometimes three if I worked out and I'm feeling gross about it. But daily? That version of me is gone. Every time you shampoo, you're stripping your scalp's natural oils. Your scalp gets dry, overproduces oil to compensate, and now you feel like you NEED to wash every day. It's a cycle you created. I broke it by pushing my wash days further apart, using dry shampoo at the root on day two and letting my scalp figure itself out. It took about two-three weeks to regulate. It wasn't cute. But it worked. Now 2-3 washes a week is perfect for my scalp health without overusing dry shampoo!
I stopped using hot tools without heat protectant.
I used to be lazy about this. Like, criminally lazy. Now I won't even look at a flat iron without spraying something on first. Heat protectant works by creating a barrier between the tool and your hair strand - it doesn't make the heat disappear, but it absorbs and distributes it so the damage isn't as concentrated. Skipping it is basically choosing split ends. I don't make that choice anymore.
I stopped using permanent color on my own hair.
I switched to demi-permanent color, and the difference in the condition of my hair is honestly wild. An alkaline permanent hair color opens the cuticle, deposits color inside the strand, and changes the internal structure. It works, but it's a lot of stress on your hair over time - especially if you're coloring frequently.
Demi-permanent color deposits without fully opening the cuticle, and acidic demi formulas work at an even lower pH, which means less swelling, less damage, and insane shine. The trade-off is that it fades more gradually and won't lighten your natural hair. But for adding richness, toning, blending grays, or refreshing color between lightening services? It's the smarter choice for most people, most of the time.
I stopped chasing styles that weren't made for my hair.
This one's bigger than it sounds. I have medium to fine hair with medium density. That big, voluminous blowout that looks effortless on someone else? That's not my natural hair. If I want that look, I need to utilize extensions and a lot of product to create it - and I CAN create it. That's the whole point.
But I had to stop pretending my natural texture was going to get me there with just 1-2 products. I can either choose extensions and get the volume I want, or I can be happy with my natural hair as it is. Both are good options. The difference is I'm choosing now instead of feeling like something's wrong with me. And here's the thing nobody tells you - most of the people you see online with that thick, bouncy, big hair? They're wearing extensions and have a big styling routine too. You're comparing your natural hair to someone else's enhanced hair and feeling bad about it. Once you know that, the comparison loses its power. Now you're making decisions from real information instead of wondering why your hair doesn't look like hers.
I stopped brushing my hair from the top down.
You start at the ends and work up. That's it. That's the habit change. It sounds so small but if you're ripping through tangles from your root, you're creating breakage every single time. Get a wet brush or a wide-tooth comb, start at the bottom, work in sections if you need to. Your ends will thank you in about a month.
None of this is revolutionary. That's kind of the point. The stuff that actually makes your hair better long-term is boring. It's not a viral product or a salon hack. It's just doing the small things right, consistently, because you decided your hair was worth the effort. And it is <3
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Minneapolis Weekend Recap: GRiZ at the Armory, Hyatt Stay, Pizza Luce & a Snowstorm Exit
Hey I'm Meg Ann Lee and I'm a Pisces. I swear that's not how I normally introduce myself but it seemed fitting because we are talking about my birthday!! This year's birthday weekend turned into the kind of weekend trip that reminds you to actually do something to celebrate your life! We headed to Minneapolis and saw GRiZ (my favorite dj forever IYKYK) at the Minneapolis Armory and it was everything I wanted it to be. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis for the easy walk, grabbed Pizza Lucé, had some drinks, and fully leaned into the weekend out.
Outfit-wise, I went in with a Zingara bandana tied into a top, thrifted tear-away pants layered over shorts, Moon Boots (because the snow was definitely coming), and obviously covered in Fenty body glitter. It felt like the perfect mix of comfy, extra, and still practical.
We were supposed to stay another night, but ended up making the call to head out early before the snowstorm hit - which, honestly, felt like the responsible move after we saw the forecast. We wrapped it up with Starbucks on the drive home and called it a win. If there's anything I'm taking from this birthday, it's this: people don't always make the most of their birthdays, but we really should. Every year we are still here should be celebrated! Buy the outfit, wear the makeup, get the tickets or take the trip, SAY YES to the plans. Life feels a lot better when you show up for it <3
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Hard Water Hair Problems in Wisconsin: What It’s Doing to Your Hair Color and How to Fix It
If your hair feels dry no matter what products you use, won't lather properly in the shower, or your blonde keeps turning brassy faster than it should… it might not be your hair. It might be your water.
Hey, I'm Meg Ann Lee, a hairstylist and makeup artist in Eau Claire, WI - and hard water is one of the most common (and overlooked) reasons I see clients struggle with their hair.
What Is Hard Water & Why It Matters for Your Hair
Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium minerals that your water picks up from the ground before it even reaches your home.
These minerals don't just rinse away - they stick to the hair and scalp, creating buildup over time. According to water quality data, anything over 120 ppm is considered hard water, and many areas in Wisconsin fall well above that.
Eau Claire commonly measures around 8-14 grains per gallon, which falls into the slightly hard water category.
The Science Behind Malibu Treatments
This is where Malibu C comes in - and why you'll hear stylists recommend it specifically for hard water. Malibu treatments use chelating ingredients (like vitamin C-based compounds) that bind to minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper and remove them from the hair safely.
This is different from a regular clarifying shampoo.
- Clarifying = removes product buildup (oils, silicones)
- Chelating = removes mineral buildup from water
That's why Malibu treatments are one of the most effective ways to reset your hair if you're dealing with hard water.
What to Do at Your Next Salon Appointment
If you live in an area like Eau Claire and struggle with dryness, dullness, or brassiness, this matters more than you think.
Book a Malibu treatment BEFORE your color service.
Why? It removes mineral buildup so your color applies evenly, processes correctly and last longer. Applying color on clean hair prevents uneven or muddy results. If mineral buildup is sitting on the hair, color can't fully penetrate - which leads to inconsistent results. If you are a DIY girly you can get your own at home routine HERE.
Check out the rest of my haircare routine recommendations below!
If your hair isn't responding to good products, your routine might not be the problem. Hard water can block moisture, affect color results, and leave buildup on the hair - no matter how "good" your shampoo is. Once you remove that buildup, most clients notice their hair feels softer, looks shinier, and their color lasts longer.
If you're in the Eau Claire area and feel like your hair just isn't acting right, this is something I always recommend looking at first. Because sometimes it's not your hair… it's your water.
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Extension Haircare Routines: What to Buy, What to Skip, and How to Protect Your Investment
Hair extensions can completely transform your hair - more length, more fullness, and styling options that many people simply can't achieve with their natural hair alone. But extensions are also a higher priced service, and how you care for them at home plays a huge role in how long they last and how healthy your natural hair stays underneath.
Hey, I'm Meg Ann Lee, a hairstylist and makeup artist in Eau Claire, WI. A big part of my work behind the chair involves extension installs and maintenance. One of the most common questions I get from clients is: "What products should I actually be using at home?" Well I have great news for you! when you book a new extension install with me you get a FULL haircare routine included in your install.
The good news is extension haircare doesn't need to be complicated. But it does need to be consistent, and the products you choose matter.
Why Extension Hair Needs Different Care
Unlike your natural hair, extensions are no longer connected to a scalp. That means they don't receive natural oils that help keep the hair soft and hydrated. Because of this, extension hair tends to dry out faster and needs more moisture support - but without adding buildup near the attachment points. The goal of extension care is simple. You want to keep the scalp clean, the hair hydrated and detangled while protecting the attachment points.
Haircare Routine for Extensions
Whether you wear sew-in wefts, hand-tied extensions, or keratin bonds, the routine is very similar. Focus on hydration, detangling, and protecting the hair.
Step 1: Gentle, Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner
Extensions need a clean scalp without stripping moisture from the hair. Focus shampoo on the scalp and allow the suds to rinse through the lengths. These formulas cleanse effectively while helping maintain softness. Conditioner helps keep extension hair smooth and manageable, but it should stay away from the attachment points. Apply from mid-length to ends only. Let conditioner sit for a minute or two before rinsing to allow the hair to absorb moisture. Options:
Step 2: Leave-In Detangler and Heat Protection
Extensions tangle more easily than natural hair, which is why leave-in products are essential. They help create slip for brushing and protect the hair during styling. These products help smooth the hair and reduce mechanical damage when brushing or styling. Options:
Step 3: Lightweight Oil or Treatment for Softness and Shine
Because extensions don't receive natural scalp oils, adding a small amount of oil to the mid-lengths and ends helps maintain softness. Focus oil on the ends of the hair where dryness typically appears first. Options:
Ingredients to Avoid With Hair Extensions
Extension hair behaves differently than natural hair, which means some ingredients can cause problems over time.
Products with high levels of drying alcohols can quickly dehydrate the hair fiber, making extensions brittle and more prone to tangling. Very heavy waxes or butters can build up around beads, sew points, or bonds and make the hair harder to brush while sometimes affecting the attachment points.
Another ingredient category to watch is heavy silicones, such as dimethicone or amodimethicone. While they can create temporary shine, they can also build up on extension hair over time, making it feel heavy and preventing moisture from properly absorbing into the hair.
Overusing protein treatments like hydrolyzed keratin or silk protein can also cause problems. Protein is helpful in moderation, but too much can make extension hair stiff and more prone to breakage.
Finally, be careful with chemical sunscreen ingredients, particularly avobenzone (often listed as butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane). These are commonly found in spray sunscreens and can sometimes react with blonde extensions, causing unwanted orange or pink discoloration.
The safest approach is using balanced, moisturizing products and keeping routines simple and consistent.
The Real Goal of Extension Haircare
Extensions aren't meant to be maintenance-free, but they shouldn't feel overwhelming either. With the right shampoo, conditioner, leave-in protection, and daily brushing habits, most clients can keep their extensions looking soft, shiny, and healthy for months. Great extension hair is less about finding one miracle product and more about creating a routine that protects both the extensions and your natural hair.
This post officially wraps up my 2026 haircare routine series, where we covered routines for:
- Fine textured hair
- Medium and combo hair
- Curly and coily hair
- Color-treated and damaged hair
- Hair extensions
If you missed any of those guides, they're all available now on i94radio.com, with product recommendations and routines based on real salon experience. Because great hair usually isn't about new trendy products - it's about the basics, understanding your hair type and building a routine that works for your real life <3
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Damaged & Color-Treated Hair Haircare Routines: What to Buy, What to Skip, and How to Manage Damage Without Overloading
Hey! I am Meg Ann Lee, full-time hairstylist, part-time blogger and co-owner of moss salon in Eau Claire, WI. If you color your hair, highlight it, lighten it, or heat style it regularly - this post is for you.
Hair "health" is a topic of conversation I have a lot with clients in the salon when we are discussing their hair color goals. Sometimes your hair color goals can cause hair to feel dry, rough, tangled, or more fragile than it used to and we do not want that! Most people respond by buying heavier and heavier products, hoping something will "heal" the damage.
But here's the important part - damaged hair cannot heal itself. Hair is not living tissue once it leaves the scalp. When it's compromised by bleach, color, heat, or mechanical stress, we can't reverse it. What we can do is reinforce it, protect it, and make it more manageable and beautiful moving forward.
A Quick Science Moment for the Chat
When you lighten or permanently color your hair, the cuticle (the outer layer) is lifted or it swells open so color molecules can enter or natural pigment can be broken down. That process changes the structure of the hair. The more frequently that process happens - especially with lightener - the more porous and fragile it can become.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't color your hair. It just means your routine needs to support you are choosing to do to the structure of your hair. Let's break this into two common categories I see.
Routine 1: Lightly Color-Treated or Mildly Dry Hair
This is hair that's highlighted, glossed, or colored but still feels relatively healthy - just drier than natural hair. The goal here is moisture + protection.
Step 1 - Color-Safe Shampoo & Moisturizing Conditioner
You want something that supports the cuticle without stripping the color or drying it out. Options:
Step 2 - Moisturizing Hair Mask
Add into your routine 1-2 times a week.
Step 3- Leave-In + Heat Protection
This is non-negotiable with color-treated hair. If you don't have an after shower hair routine the first product to add is a leave in conditioner! A heat protection product prevents further stress on your strands. Options:
Routine 2: Overprocessed, Bleached, or Fragile Hair
This is hair that feels stretchy when wet, tangles easily, or breaks when brushing. The goal here is bond support + moisture balance. The mistake I see most often? Layering too many heavy masks and protein treatments at once. More protein products does not equal faster repair.
Step 1 - Bond-Building Shampoo & Conditioner
These focus on strengthening weakened areas of your hair structure to prevent breakage. Options:
Step 2 - Repair-Focused Conditioner or Mask
Use a mask 1-2 times per week - not every wash. Alternate masks with regular conditioner to avoid overload. Options:
Step 3 - Leave-In Repair + Light Oil
Focus on ends only. I am OBSESSED with the redken acidic products lately!! Options:
What to Skip
Damaged hair doesn't need ten repair products layered at once. It doesn't need protein every single wash day and it definitely doesn't need extremely high heat while already compromised. Overloading the hair with heavy creams can make it feel coated but not actually stronger. Instead of trying everything at once, stick to trying 1 new product at a time and be consistent. Practice a balanced routine that includes cleansing, bond support, moisture, and protection. Notice I didn't say dry shampoo? You NEED to keep your hair moisturized to prevent it from breaking. Overly dry hair snaps, moisturized hair bends. Think of a noodle! Use dry shampoo at your roots as needed in between washes but remember it isn't actually cleansing or adding moisture so don't REPLACE your haircare routine with dry shampoo, as tempting as it may be.
The Realistic Goals
Repair products don't "heal" hair - but they reinforce weak bonds, smooth the cuticle, and improve elasticity so your hair feels softer and looks healthier. Consistency matters more than intensity in these situations. That's why you should buy that take home product your hairstylist recommends. If you color your hair, maintaining it at home is what protects your investment. Healthy-looking hair is rarely about one miracle product. It's about the correct routine <3
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A Look Into 46th Wisconsin FFA Alumni Convention
The 46th Annual Convention of the Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters was held February 20–21, 2026, at the Madison Marriott West in Middleton. This year’s theme, “Volunteer Spirit On the Rise in 2026,” emphasized networking, resource sharing, education, and fellowship.
Approximately 300 FFA Alumni members and guests from across Wisconsin attended the event. The convention began Friday with a State Council meeting, followed by an optional tour of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Attendees also participated in one of two “make-and-take” activities: cookie decorating or wooden ornament painting. Friday evening concluded with a dinner buffet, an auction, and entertainment by the Badger Marching Band.
Saturday’s agenda included business meetings, workshops, and a luncheon. Members heard updates from leaders of Team Ag Ed and reviewed the annual financial report and budget during the business session. Todd Coons of the Shell Lake FFA Alumni & Supporters chapter was elected Vice President.
The executive team advanced to new leadership roles as follows:
- Chris Blank of Cashton was elected President.
- Missy Steffes of New Holstein was elected President-Elect.
- Nick Lowe of Stoughton was named Past President.
Six resolutions were passed during the meeting.
Leaders representing Team Ag Ed — including FFA, the FFA Foundation, WAAE, DPI, and Alumni — participated in a panel discussion to answer questions and explain how their organizations collaborate to strengthen agricultural education and FFA opportunities across Wisconsin.
Emma Slavens of National FFA provided an organizational update.
The 2025–2026 Wisconsin FFA Officer Team played a key role throughout the convention. They assisted with section meeting delegate registration, auctions, business meetings, and election processes. The team also presented a reflections program and conducted two workshops. During the convention, the officer team received Lifetime Membership in the Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters Association.
Awards and Recognitions
The annual awards banquet featured the retiring address of State Association President Nick Lowe and recognition of numerous individuals and chapters.
New or Reactivated Chapters for 2025
Algoma, Cochrane-Fountain City, Fall River, Monroe, Pardeeville, Pecatonica, Princeton, Rio, Unity, and Winnebago Lutheran Academy.
Service Recognition
Shari Graffunder of River Valley was honored for her service on the National FFA Alumni & Supporters Board of Directors.
Outstanding Agriculture Educator Awards
Cash awards were presented to:
- Marty Nowak – Denmark
- Cierra Essock – Cambridge
- Joseph Heinbuch – New Holstein
- Dan Robinson – Lomira
- Samantha White – Stoughton
- Olivia Lulich – Viroqua
- Jen Bos – Shell Lake
- Abbey Meffert – DeForest
- Jeremiah Ihm – Sauk Prairie
Troy Talford of Sauk Prairie was named the State Winning Educator.
Outstanding Young Member Award
Sally Ladsten of Sauk Prairie was recognized for exceptional leadership.
Public Relations Award
- State Winner: Elkhorn FFA Alumni & Supporters
- Second Place: Granton
- Third Place: Sauk Prairie
Outstanding State Chapter
- State Winner: DeForest FFA Alumni & Supporters
- Second Place: Sauk Prairie
- Third Place: Lomira
- Fourth Place: Shell Lake
National Outstanding Chapter Awards
Granton, Stoughton, and Denmark chapters received gold ratings and will advance to national competition. Granton was recognized as the overall state winner in this category.
Outstanding Achievement Award
Frank Kuzma of Sauk Prairie FFA Alumni & Supporters.
Dr. V.O. and Ann Martinson Award
Elkhorn FFA Alumni & Supporters, for the greatest increase in lifetime members.
Team Ag Ed Contributor Award
Sally Ladsten and Joe Schlies, for their service and commitment to the Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters Association.
Tyson Gehrke of Fennimore shared insights from his travels to Spain through the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers.
Retiring council members recognized included:
- Dave Meyer – Hudson
- Rick Bockhop – Platteville
- Matt Damm – Columbus
- Stacey Boettcher – Weyauwega-Fremont
- Terri Wilfert – Mishicot
The 2026–2027 Council Section Representatives were introduced and installed:
- Section 1 – Cheryl Coons, Shell Lake
- Section 2 – Agnes Buttke, Cadott; Jill Welke, Osseo-Fairchild
- Section 3 – Jaydon Lietzau, Sparta; Laura Kanis, Viroqua
- Section 4 – Susan Brugger, Fennimore; Nick Huffman, Hollandale
- Section 5 – Dan Ziegler, New Glarus; Jerry Wendt, Stoughton
- Section 6 – Nick Meller, Wisconsin Dells; Brooke Woodbury, Baraboo
- Section 7 – William Litzer, Edgar; Kimberly Kaiser, Auburndale
- Section 8 – Mark Kunde, Winneconne
- Section 9 – Nicole Wallander, Kiel; Kathy Schmidt, Brillion
- Section 10 – Jim Schneider, Campbellsport; Mary Gundrum, Mayville
Curly & Coily Textured Hair Haircare Routines: What to Buy, What to Skip, and Why Moisture Balance Is Everything
Hey, I'm Meg Ann Lee, a hairstylist and makeup artist in Eau Claire, WI. If you have curly or coily hair, you've probably been told a hundred different things about what you "should" be doing with it. Use more moisture. Don't use too much moisture. Only co-wash. Never co-wash. Define it. Stretch it. Diffuse it. Air dry it. It's a lot.
Behind the chair, I see how frustrating that can feel - especially for clients with tighter curls or coily textures who feel like their hair is constantly dry, frizzy, or shrinking in ways they don't know how to style. The truth is, curly and coily hair isn't more difficult. It just has different needs. It requires more consistent hydration, gentler handling, and products that support elasticity instead of fighting it.
What Curly & Coily Hair Actually Needs
If you have coily hair specifically, moisture balance is everything. When coils are dry, they lose flexibility and become more prone to breakage. When they're properly hydrated and sealed, they're soft, defined, and strong. The goal isn't to "tame" your texture - it's to support it.
Let's break down simple, realistic routines that actually make sense for curly and coily hair - without overcomplicating it.
Routine 1: Looser Curls (2C-3A Type Texture)
This texture needs hydration and definition without being weighed down.
Step 1 - Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner
Look for sulfate-free but still cleansing formulas. You still need to cleanse regularly - buildup flattens curls. Detangle gently in the shower with fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Options:
Step 2 - Leave-In + Definition
Layer lightly instead of one heavy cream. Scrunch upward. Let it set before touching. Options:
Step 4 - Seal + Protect
Products to protect those curls! Minimal handling = less frizz. Diffuse on low heat if needed. Options:
Routine 2: Tighter Curls & Coily Hair (3B-4A)
This texture needs more moisture retention and gentler handling.
Step 1 - Gentle Moisture Cleanse
Focus on scalp cleansing - not aggressive scrubbing of lengths. Options:
Step 2 - Deep Hydration
Coily hair benefits from richer conditioning. Moisture keeps coils elastic and reduces breakage. Can you skip this? NO. Options:
Step 3 - Leave-In + Cream Styler
Coily textures usually need both products. Apply on damp hair in sections. Options:
Step 4 - Oil to Seal
Seal ends lightly to reduce moisture loss. A small amount of lightweight oil through ends only. Options:
What to Skip
One of the biggest mistakes I see with curly and coily hair is product overload without proper cleansing. Heavy butters and rich creams can be great - but when they're layered over and over without removing buildup, curls start to look dull and feel heavy at the root. Skipping shampoo completely can also create scalp issues over time. Curly hair still needs a clean foundation. Brushing curls while dry or constantly touching them as they dry are two other habits that lead to unnecessary frizz and breakage.
When clients stop trying to force their hair to behave like straight hair and instead build a routine around moisture and definition, everything changes - shine, elasticity, manageability.
Curls and coils don't need to be "tamed" - they need to be understood. So many people with textured hair grow up feeling like they have to straighten it, smooth it, or stretch it to make it more manageable. But when you build a routine that supports your natural pattern instead of fighting it, everything changes. Moisture improves. Definition becomes easier. Breakage decreases. Acceptance doesn't mean doing less - it means choosing products and styling methods that enhance what your hair already wants to do. When you work with your texture instead of against it, it becomes much easier to maintain <3
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