How to Add Glitter to Your Natural Hair For the Holidays — and How to Safely Get It Out

Aside from the fact that they're all wicked talented, another thing celebs like Alicia Keys, Janelle Monáe, and Jill Scott all have is common is the fact that they all added a little shimmer to their natural curls this year — and it's a look that's perfect for the holidays.

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Hairstylist Nai'vasha, a go-to for Alicia Keys, created the star's many sparkly, braided looks this year. She tells InStyle that while these looks are eye-catching on the red carpet or at your next holiday party, starting off by using the right products to stick any rhinestones to the hair or hairline is essential to make sure removal is both easy on you and your curls.

"My favorite hair embellishments are from Jennifer Behr and Swarovski Crystal," she shares. "You can safely adhere them to the hair or hairline with clear lash glue or Got To Be Glued hair gel."

However, if you're noticing that your baby hairs are thinning or breaking, Miko Branch, founder of iconic natural haircare brand Miss Jessie's, says it may be a good idea to skip sticking anything onto the hair in that area. "Use glitter instead of rhinestones that might pull on edges," she explains. "Mix the glitter with Miss Jessie’s Hold Me Down edge control that is flake-free, adds shine and moisture, is enriched with coconut and argan oils."

That said, if you're looking to add shimmer, rather than individual rhinestones, throughout all of your hair, Branch says to skip sprays that can dry out curls (and make a mess), and opt for mixing a loose glitter with a hair gel of your choosing, then combing it through the hair.

VIDEO: 4 Ways to Wear Glitter this New Year's Eve

When it comes to removing these embellishments, both hair experts agree that it's vital to keep a moisturizing conditioner in the mix. If you're going with Nai'vasha's picks, the stylist says to mix your favorite conditioner with water to create slip, which will make safely taking down the rhinestones a breeze. If you opted for a loose glitter, Branch recommends a co-wash to cleanse the hair of any product while also keeping it moisturized.

But if you're having a hard time getting all the glitter out, the entrepreneur says to reach for a hydrating shampoo like Miss Jessie's Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo. "It's an awesome detangler with amazing slip to help to remove unwanted decorative additions to the hair during the holidays," she says.

Hair cleansing aside, if you were whipping your curls around the dance floor a little too hard and got glitter stuck on your holiday outfit, Mary Begovic Johnson, principal scientist at Procter & Gamble, says its best to wash your clothes as soon as possible. "Glitter may have sharp sides that can damage fabric fibers," she says.

As for how to get it out, she says to first shake any loose glitter from your garments, then flip your clothes inside out, run some lukewarm water over it, then pour a high-quality detergent like Tide Ultra Stain Release directly on the glitter-soaked area. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then throw it in the wash. Because while we're sure 2020 will bring lots of sparkle into your life, it's always a good idea to start off a new decade with a clean slate.