TV personality, fitness guru, beauty content creator, and boss mom Lauren “LoLo” Wood solidified herself as social media’s newest phenomenons. The reigning it girl generated over 1 million followers with her captivating persona and beautiful curls. The “Ridiculousness” co-host shines with her hair looks, ranging from natural tresses to protective styles. Now, the style icon chats with NatuallyCurly about her journey with her natural curls, life as a mogul mom, and her go-to beauty essentials.
Image Source: @ci_photographyy
Tell me about your journey growing up with curly hair.
I was born with beautiful blonde, unruly curls! As I grew, my hair darkened and even relaxed into waves. In high school, I experimented with dying my hair—from boxes, budget-friendly for a 16-year-old, saving for a car. I went through the color spectrum from black to honey blonde, brown, red, or having that one thick blonde streak. My poor hair! I was also into Avril Lavigne.
I remember begging my mom to let me permanently straighten my hair. Thank goodness we didn’t see eye to eye on that (no offense to Avril.) I eventually started embracing my curls, but from all the heat and chemicals, my hair didn’t curl up the same anymore. Much later, I learned about the “curly girl method,” and it inspired me to take my hair health seriously & embark on the journey to get my curls back.
What were some obstacles you had with styling your curly hair?
Image Source: @lolowood_
Because my hair is fine, I struggle with volume and hold. What I want and what my hair wants doesn’t always align. My hair wants to get frizzy and fall flat—making its own statement. It tends to take on the triangle shape, puffy on the bottom, flat on the top…because why not? My hair is dry, so it requires moisture, but finding a product that won’t weigh it down was challenging. We can all agree a bad hair day is a bad day!
Who influenced you to wear your curls proudly?
Image Source: @lolowood_
“Shakira, Shakira!” It is because of her that I started appreciating curly hair. Her hair color and texture look similar to mine, very lion-mane-like. I was also influenced by the YouTubers who talked about the curly girl method, experimenting for the greater good. It gave me hope that I could train and heal my curls. Shout out to the early curly sisterhood!
What are some beauty essentials and hair care products in your daily routine?
First comes the silk pillowcase, followed by her cousin, my satin bonnet. I am currently obsessed with the brush from Bounce Curl. My curls love that brush. Aloe Vera gel is my newest addition to my lineup, and I don’t think we’ll be breaking up anytime soon. It’s easy to apply, and a little goes a long way.
What’s the best advice you’ve received from a hair stylist when caring for your curls?
Image Source: @lolowood_
Less is more for curls. Blow drying halfway and letting the best air dry works well for me. Day two hair is the best. Use a very mild shampoo or co-wash.
I was a vegetarian for four years and, unfortunately, limited my consumption of protein, fats, & amino because I didn’t understand how to maintain a balanced vegetarian diet [which] did affect the length and thickness of my hair. Soon after I added proteins to my diet, I saw a gradual change in my hair thickness. I’m not trying to convince anyone to do this; it worked for me. I advise that it’s wise to discuss your hair troubles with your dietician or doctor.
What are your favorite protective styles to rock?
Image Source: @lolowood_
My favorite protective style is a pineapple with a scarf. My hair thrives more when it’s out. On days I don’t feel like styling, up it goes and a satin scarf for extra protection, especially from the sun and heat.
What are your favorite styles to rock as Ridiculousness’ newest host?
Image Source: @ridiculousness
Braids! Whether braided into a half pony, braided on the side, braided pony, feed-in braids, or goddess braids, I love their versatility. They add so much fun and flair to any outfit.
How do you keep your hair fresh, especially as a new mom?
Becoming a mom was a wild transition for my hair. I went from flourishing during pregnancy to losing half my head in hair and my curl pattern. They say becoming a mother costs you 10% of brain power, but nobody told me I’d lose half my hair in the process!
I didn’t even know how to style because all my reliable techniques, including brush styling, couldn’t even get me a ringlet. Two years postpartum, my hair is now thicker and curlier than before. Fresh hair as a mom is a bit subjective in this case. Let’s just say I’ve found my limit between wash days & have mastered the dirty bun look.
Your baby boy has curly hair, too. What products do you use to style his strands?
Image Source: @lolowood_
His hair is just like mine! Light brown with soft curls. It will get curlier as he gets older. His curls look the best when I just rake and finger curl with water and a little leave-in conditioner. Sometimes, I’ll add coconut oil, too. I stay clear of harsh products and chemicals.
How often do you use heat, and how do you protect your hair from heat damage?
I’m big on at-home hair TLC, so maintaining a healthy scalp and strong hair strands is my best defense [against] heat. I don’t apply heat to my hair too often (outside of diffusing). My hair stylist knows the importance of curl health, and most of the time, we work with what I have growing.
What legacy do you want to leave as a mogul, mom, and curly hair content creator?
Image Source: @lolowood_
Feed it, love it, leave it, free it! I love that curl talk has entered so many chats! I strive to do my part in the inclusion of all hair types in the modeling industry. In my experience, it is typically desired for models to have straight or wavy hair for editing purposes, and it is considered more “clean” and “easy to manage.” With that said, when I shoot for major clothing brands and billboard campaigns, it was very important for me to rock a head full of curls for representation. Curl power!
Many young women and girls see models and celebrities with these smooth, relaxed locks and want to straighten their hair. Next thing you know, curls end up damaged, and you’re forced to compensate on a vicious cycle of heat. I wish to help teach young individuals to embrace their natural curls. Long live your curls, girls!
Wood defies all odds perfectly as a hard-working mom and curly-hair enthusiast. With her busy schedule, she recreates hairstyles suitable for her lifestyle. Though she is a celebrity, pivoting as a naturalista is a job, especially for college girls. Check out this article for on-the-go hairstyles for collegiate queens.
