Introduce yourself!
Hola! My name is Mel Burgos. I’m Puerto Rican and was born and raised in the Boogie Down Bronx. I am a veteran- served 10 years (active”> in the United States Navy. I currently work as a Management Analyst for the Department of Health and Human Services and in my spare time, I’m a blogger who loves to travel.
How long have you been natural (brief natural hair journey”>?
I had my first relaxer at 13 and transitioned for about a year but I also big chopped after a horrible hairdresser experience in 2010 so I’m currently rockin’ 4 years of growth.
What’s your daily hair routine?
I am a total wash-n-go girl. I have tried two strand twists and braid outs but those styles don’t work for me because of my haircut. I try to wash my hair at least once a week. I deep condition and steam my hair with my trusty Huetiful Hair Steamer on wash day. I let my hair air dry about half way, then I use my diffuser to finish the job. Before I go to sleep, I add a little bit of oil to my ends.
What are your favorite products?
- Cleanser –Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Beyond Gentle & Sulfate Free Wash. If my hair is really dirty, I just wash with Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap (undiluted”>.
- Conditioner & Detangler – Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Knot Out Conditioner.
- Deep Conditioner – DevaCurl Heaven in Hair, Nubian Heritage Grow & Strengthen Treatment, or Motions Naturally You Deep Conditioner.
- Styler – Sebastian Potion 9 leave in treatment and Ecostyler gel (clear”>.
- Sealant– Ella’s Concoctions Holy Grail Oil and Quickie Oil, Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil (you can find it at Sephora”>, 100% grapeseed oil, or 100% jojoba oil (I normally get these from Whole Foods”>.
I just simply sleep on a satin pillowcase. I have tried the “pineapple” but the scarf ended up on the other side of my room.
How did you get your hair color, and how do you maintain it?
I get it professionally colored but only on the ends of my hair. My colorist Sonja from David Rios Salon located here in Washington, DC created my color with her own personal mix. Also, I have a shower filter. The water here tends to have high mineral content so having the filter definitely aids in retaining the natural oils in my hair.
Do you ever get tired of curly hair?
Absolutely not! There is so much versatility to curly hair- from color, to texture, and even length. I know this sounds nuts but I have to set an alarm while internet surfing curly hairstyles because I can literally be on the computer for hours.
On your blog you inspire women and feature the latest products for curly hair. How do you decide which products to try on your hair?
I’m just curious by nature so I would try almost anything.
How did you become a successful vlogger/guru?
Wait! Whaaaaaat?! Guru? Nooooo *blushing*
I started my blog without any expectation. I just felt that it could be a platform to create a discussion/awareness that we (Latinos”> wear our hair in braids, dreadlocks and of course afros.
What do you like most about vlogging?
An unanticipated bonus that I get from blogging is hearing from my readers. The questions, comments, and even critiques make a lively conversation and that has made me realize this is the real goal of my blog.
What do you want to do beyond YouTube and your blog?
Continue to travel the world.
Do you have any advice for new natural hair gurus (that you wish someone had told you?”>
Ask for help! A lot of time and energy is spent in researching and stressing about content. You could make your life a lot easier by reaching out and interacting with other bloggers. Not only will you get your questions answered but you might also gain a new friend.
Any upcoming projects/events you’d like to tell us about?
I am always full of ideas but I really am cracking down and learning how to edit videos so I can start vlogging. Watch out, YouTube!!
Visit Mel’s blog, RockYoRizos.blogspot.com, and follow her on Instagram- RockYoRizos.
Writer Kala is the founder of the blog, The KG Lifestyle. Check it out for more hair, beauty, and lifestyle motivation! You can follow her on Instagram @TheKGLifestyle.
