Did you know Urbanbella just celebrated its 20th anniversary? Over the past two decades, I’ve dedicated myself to truly understanding what works for natural hair — and just as importantly, what doesn’t.

Urbanbella’s commitment to learning about the unique challenges of natural hair has given us a wealth of knowledge in caring for and styling curls. Owning a hair salon and retail store has allowed me to connect with women facing all kinds of natural hair hurdles. It’s given me insights I could never have imagined, and it’s helped me simplify the process of managing curly, natural hair.

I understand our goals and challenges — and they haven’t changed much over the years:

1. We want shiny, natural hairstyles that look polished and pretty.

2. We want styles that last at least a week (or more!).

3. We want soft hair that feels good to the touch.

4. And we want hair that’s easy to manage.

I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, we’ll lay the right foundation for easy, beautiful natural hair — starting with the Urbanbella Curl Care Steps. Let’s dive in!

The Curly Natural Hair Challenge

Hair care shouldn’t be complicated. Your styles should last, allowing you to focus on what matters most — not spending endless hours on your hair.

Yet, what I often see is that many of us believe beautiful hair starts and ends with styling products. We swap tips with other naturals about what they use and then run out to buy the same products — expecting the same results.

However, that overlooks a crucial point: most naturals lack a comprehensive system. They don’t know which products work together to deliver lasting results. This trial and error can turn into a cycle of product junkie habits — which does more harm than good. Poor-quality hair products can be hard to recover from, and your hair deserves better.

It’s time to shift focus from styling alone to caring for your hair’s health. Healthy hair makes great styling possible — again and again. That’s why I created a haircare ritual that builds healthy hair first, delivering gorgeous results you can rely on week after week.

  I mapped out that system here where you can review and implement he entire system.

The Curly Natural Hair Test - Creamy Cleanser vs Lather Cleanser

Early on — about two or three years into Urbanbella — I realized we were making natural hair more challenging to manage by starting with the wrong cleanser. The excessive lather of traditional shampoos left our hair dry, matted, and tough to comb through. And the styles? They only lasted a few days.

I then tested a new approach: swapping out regular shampoo for a creamy cleanser — our signature hydrating shampoo, specifically designed for natural hair. I still offered classic lather shampoos but recommended using them less often. The feedback was incredible — hydration levels soared, and caring for natural hair finally became easier.

This test proved what I always say now: healthy, beautiful natural hair happens in layers — starting with your shampoo and conditioner. If your hydrating shampoo for natural hair isn’t right, you’ll struggle to reach your hair goals. Many classic shampoos are simply too drying. I’ve tried them all — they left my hair feeling like a brillo pad for days!

Now, I know this for sure: lather cleansers absolutely have a valuable place in your routine. They help keep your hair and scalp fresh and can support thickness and volume when used properly. But the real game changer — the piece natural hair was missing long before the new natural hair movement — is the creamy cleanser: your gentle, hydrating shampoo for natural hair.

We need both. If you’re cleansing more frequently or your hair feels a bit dry, it’s perfectly fine to skip the lather cleanser now and then. But for your healthiest, fullest hair, I recommend using a lathering cleanser at least twice a month. It’s all about balance — and giving your curls what they need to thrive.

Where to Start

If you want to build a strong foundation for pretty, hydrated hair, start with products that support every step of your routine — not just styling. The Urbanbella Curl Care Kit is designed to do just that.

This kit includes our creamy cleanser — your gentle, hydrating shampoo for natural hair — plus conditioning and styling essentials that work together to make your hair soft, shiny, and easy to manage.

It’s time to simplify your routine, protect your curls, and enjoy natural hairstyles that truly last. Your best hair starts here!