We have been so fortunate to work with some truly talented interns in the NaturallyCurly offices, and though it’s not a requirement, it doesn’t hurt that they often have great heads of curls, coils and waves! Today our intern Laura is sharing her Type 2c wavy hair routine and some insight into what it was like growing up in Brazil with curls.
How long have you worn your hair curly?
I have worn my hair curly since my junior year of high school so about 5 years. I used to get my hair chemically straightened with the Japanese treatment and flat iron straighten my hair on top of that. Due to damage and cost of this treatment I stopped having it done and waited until my healthy hair grew out while slowly getting rid of my damaged ends.
How does having a Brazilian background affect the way you feel about your curls?
In Brazil having curly hair is common, but no one tends to leave it curly for long. In the early 2000’s a treatment called “escova progressiva” became super popular which is a chemical straightening treatment. It almost became a fad and pretty much everyone was getting it done, including people with hair that was barely wavy just to get the pin-straight look. This treatment is originally what had me wanting straight hair like everyone else, and straight hair was definitely the norm back then. It’s still very common to get the treatment done in Brazil though more people are now embracing the natural look.
Do you have a technique or tip that has really changed the way your hair looks
I think the most important technique to keeping my hair less frizzy is scrunching with a t-shirt or micro fiber towel! If I have time before leaving the house I have found that plopping with a t-shirt and letting it dry while I’m getting ready leaves my curls very defined, I think this is both the technique and not being able to touch my hair during the drying process.
Favorite products?
- Shampoo Dove Quench Shampoo
- Conditioner Quench Absolute Conditioner
- Deep Conditioner It’s A 10 Miracle Mask
- Leave-in Conditioner Shea Moisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave in Conditioner
- Styler It’s always changing, but DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel right now
- Tool DevaCurl Microfiber Towel
What’s your routine?
I start by shampooing and conditioning with the Dove Quench Shampoo and Conditioner, I love the smell and how it leaves my hair feeling soft. I deep condition once a week with It’s A 10 Miracle Mask. Since my hair tends to be dry and frizz easily I use a leave-in conditioner after the shower to help with moisture, my current favorite is Shea Moisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave in Conditioner.
After the leave-in I usually change up the styling product I use but I am currently using DevaCurl’s Ultra Defining Gel sparingly since it is a gel and if I use too much it will leave my hair stiff. I have found that if I use about 3 quarter size portions it is enough hold for my hair and doesn’t leave a residue. After I have applied the product I scrunch my hair using the DevaCurl Microfiber Towel to take out the excess water without leaving my hair frizzy like a normal towel would!
Thank you Laura for sharing your talent and your waves with us!
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