Image: @so_manti shot by @kliinaphoto
The day begins at 5:30 a.m. for curly girl Samantha Ortiz, who is the head trainer for Triple Threat Bootcamp in New York City, and from there it’s non-stop until approximately 9:00 p.m.
Named Best of Brooklyn, Triple Threat is a family affair, co-owned by her sister and mother; additionally, in 2017 Samantha was dubbed Best Instructor of New York. “Girl Power” couldn’t ring any truer when it comes to these three proprietors.
Besides group training, she’s held natural-hair workshops to help her clients keep their curls refreshed during her boot camps, which is an important factor for many curly girls on fitness journeys. We spoke to Samantha about her tips and tricks when it comes to keeping her curls and energy on point in fast-paced New York City, and this is what she had to say.
Image: @so_manti shot by @kliinaphoto
Have you always been #TeamNatural?
“Yes I have, however, I didn’t always use natural products for my hair, therefore I transitioned four years ago from toxic stylers to non-toxic ones. There was a difference in the way my hair looked, for sure, because natural products made my hair bigger and not as ‘tamed.’ I didn’t always appreciate the big hair that natural products brought about, because it wasn’t what I was used to, however, I began to embrace it in the middle of my transition journey.”
What does your curly hair routine consist of, and what are your holy grail products?
“My routine varies depending on what my hair needs that week or month, but for the most part, it stays the same. I am a fan of Ouidad, especially their Advanced Climate Control line. I use their shampoo and conditioner to wash and prime it, then to style I use the humidity gel, and to conclude I use the featherlight creme. Once a week, I’ll deep condition my hair as well, with the extreme repair mask. There are times that I’ll diffuse it, but I love how my curls look when I let them air-dry. Also, never forget your scarf to pineapple your hair before bed.”
Image: @so_manti shot by @kliinaphoto
As a fit curly-girl, what is your go-to style for working out?
“The pineapple method! I flip my hair over, use two scrunchies to tie it, and I don’t like my hair in my face so I tuck it in due to the length, and voila, that’s it.”
How do you refresh your curls after an intense workout?
“First and foremost, let your body and workout be priority versus your hair. Don’t be afraid of sweat, and just let your curls be! You can worry about that part later, but once it is time, Ouidad has a refresher spray that works wonders. Flip your hair over, spray it with the refresher, crunch and shake it with your hands, then let it air-dry.”
“Remember the ‘why’ on why you’re working out,” Samantha says. “Our health is much more important than our hair. Focus on what’s inside versus on the outside.”
How do you refresh your curls post-workout? Let us know your go-to style or products in the comments below.