Image: @nellyscurls
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up with textured hair was a struggle. My Mother has type 2 hair and had no idea how to care for my hair. Going to the salon weekly and getting a roller set followed by a blowout was the “normal” thing to do. I dealt with people referring to my hair as “nappy and pelo malo “bad hair”. I grew up hating my hair, it was very hard. Hearing something negative for so long regarding my appearance made me believe it.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I was tired of being someone I wasn’t and letting people have power over my appearance. I was honestly fed up with feeling like I wasn’t being loyal to me and altering something that is God given.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I don’t have just one but many. I’d have to say receiving messages from women and men expressing their gratitude and sharing with me how I’ve helped inspire their own journey is always empowering.
How do you protect your curls at night?
At night I put my hair into a pineapple or just leave it down but I always put on a silk bonnet to protect my curls at night.
Image: @nellyscurls
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crush is @Janevamdb on Instagram, she’s such a beautiful person both on the inside and outside.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I can’t live without my DevaCurl SuperCream/Styling Cream and my Righteous Roots Oil blend.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I deep condition weekly and do scalp massages with my favorite oil blend 3X a week at night. I always style on soaking wet hair and my favorite products are by DevaCurl (B’Leave-In, SuperCream, & Styling Cream”> and RizosCurls.
Image: @nellyscurls
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moment was transitioning. I struggled with getting my hair past day two and finding hairstyles that would help me cope with the “stringy” pieces of hair. I wouldn’t have changed a thing though, transitioning taught me so much about myself.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Using a Denman brush while styling helps me so much to achieve great wash day results. I would also have to say incorporating a deep conditioner weekly, using a microfiber towel, scalp massages, and a silk bonnet has made my journey easier.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Don’t be afraid to embrace the real you. Find the strength to gain the self-confidence to be who you are, unapologetically. Don’t be afraid to create your own definition and standards of beauty and own them. Do not base your self-perception off of what society tells you is “beautiful”. Be fierce!
What’s your hair story? Share your journey with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.