Image Source: @sydneylynnn
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
It was challenging, not knowing what to use on my hair. Especially back then there were NO curly hair products. Being mixed black and white, my parents would use a ton of different products and they would either be too greasy or too dry, or they would just put it up. It wasn’t until I was about 11/12 when I started doing my own hair but I was using you know, Tresemme Flawless Curls Mousse and my hair was so dry from it. I was washing it everyday with sulfate, But how was I supposed to know lol.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly, wavy hair?
Well, I have always wore my natural curls, but in middle school I started to straighten my hair a lot because I wanted to fit in. When I was in middle school that’s when it was the “scene stage” so everyone had the heavy side bang with different colors. One day my stepmom told me I had heat damage and that I needed to stop straightening my hair. We went to Sally’s and found some different curly hair products. I started going on YouTube and watching videos of other curly girls. I would watch Shameless Maya, Lipstickncurls and Lisette. I looked up to them and started exploring new products and routines to use for my curls.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I think my journey has helped me form my career! If you don’t know, I am a licensed cosmetologist who specializes in natural hair. I think I wouldn’t have gone through my journey, I wouldn’t know how to help others with theirs. I noticed when I was in middle/high school and got my hair cut wet that my curls were so uneven to the point where the back look chopped in the middle. It was bad. So I started researching curly cuts and slowly started doing my own and family, now I have a whole curly clientele! I started the CG method in 2014, my mom got me the DevaCurl Kit. I love helping others with their transition, it makes me so happy!
Image Source: @sydneylynnn
How do you protect your curls at night?
I sleep on a satin pillowcase and put my hair in a high ponytail (pineapple”> and sometimes a satin bonnet.
Who is your curl crush?
I can’t just pick one!! Lol definitely Jade Kendle @lipstickncurls , Jude Demorest from Star @judedemorest, Lynn Kate @lynnkatee, and Felicia @HiF3licia.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I definitely can’t live without my scrunchies and hair pick!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I usually clarify once a month, wash and deep condition once a week, sometimes I’ll wash twice if my hair is dry. I usually style with a leave in, cream and gel. That’s interchangeable so sometimes I’ll do cream and gel, leave in and gel. Depends on the mood. My favorite products are BounceCurl cream, leave in and gel. I love Rizos Curls 4 Step System, Devacurl Melt Into Moisture Mask, Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair mask, Curls Blueberry Bliss Jelly, and DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel.
Image Source: @sydneylynnn
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging thing I would say is texture changes. My textures have changed some over the years and sometimes I do feel discouraged. I also get stressed out because when the weather affects your hair it’s like you have to start from square one with your routine.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Definitely trims every 3 months! I notice a huge difference in my curls to the definition and elasticity. Deep conditioning is very important as well. I can tell if I skip a week of DC’ing.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Love YOURSELF!!! Love your hair!!! It’s what you got so you might as well rock it! Don’t compare yourself to others. I think we are all guilty there but don’t get so caught up in what other people use, everyone’s hair is different so listen to what yours needs!