NaturallyCurly: When did you start embracing your curls?
Layan: I started loving my curls when I was 14 years old after meeting my cousin Reine in Beirut, Lebanon. She had curly hair too and she made me realize that my big afro were simply misunderstood curls haha! It was one of those moments in my life where a simple switch in technique made a whole difference in my confidence. I never went back to putting my hair in an ugly bun after that day!
What are your favorite products?
Layan: Favorite products? I have been sent many products for reviews and have been spending a fortune on my own since I was 14 years old. The best products are definitely oil-based moisturizers and cold-pressed virgin coconut oil.As for the brands, I would have to say Jessicurl or TLC Naturals. They remain in my top brands because they offer natural products that tame and moisturize your curls while leaving them feeling smooth and smelling like heaven.
What’s your favorite DIY hair recipe?
Layan: My hair loves avocado oil and olive oil together! It’s like a mask from heaven for my hair. Mix those two together, maybe with some coconut oil too. After applying it I leave it on for 20 min. to an hour. Following the rinse, your hair is shiny, smooth, and very well moisturized. I try to do this weekly but sometimes it’s rare so I just apply my favorite conditioner and swoop a bunch of coconut oil to seal the moisture. Let’s not forget to seal our hair with a plastic film after we apply masks on.What ingredients does your hair love?
Layan: My hair loves any type of natural and unprocessed oil: argan oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and even shea butter.What ingredients does your hair hate?
Layan: I stay away from mineral oil, silicones, parabens, sulfates. You know the list. I mainly try to stay away from anything man-made. Chemicals may feel amazing when you first apply them to your hair, but in the long run it’s like forcing your hair to die on a daily basis. Thinking about it hurts my feelings.
What’s your daily hair routine?
Layan: Since I recently cut my hair shorter, I had to update my routine. I go for a half-up ponytail. The people around me love it so much I receive compliments on my hair quite a few times a day! Before starting on my day, I fingercomb the Jessicurl Confident Coils Styling Solution throughout my hair and follow up with Jessicurl Spiralicious Styling Gel for hold. I finish by using Design Essentials Natural Honey and Shea Edge Tamer to make sure that the top of my head has no flyaways or frizz. Got to keep it polished girl! I will have a video tutorial on my channel soon so stay tuned!What’s your nighttime routine?
Layan: I start by moisturizing my hair with a leave-in conditioner spray and then I put my hair in the famous pineapple hairstyle. I go to bed smelling and looking fabulous. I also have a tutorial on my night routine.
NaturallyCurly: When did you start embracing your curls?
Layan: My go-to styles are the half-up ponytail and the perfect bun that I created last summer.
How do you hydrate your curls in the winter?
Layan: I love this question! Many people underestimate the importance of well moisturizing your hair during the harsh winter conditions. I essentially stick to a weekly deep conditioning (as I mentioned above with coconut oil”> and a daily moisturizing treatment with my favorite daily conditioner. I switch up my daily conditioners from time to time since my hair becomes “immune” to the ingredients. Right now I am using Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner which I literally finished in a week and a half. It is heaven.How do you fight frizz in the summer?
Layan: Summer frizz is mainly due to high humidity. I start by applying a moisturizing cream to my hair and I then seal with argan oil since it’s light and leaves the hair smelling and feeling great. Rinsing your hair with cold water also reduces the frizz significantly.
What inspired you to start vlogging?
Layan: My cousin helped me discover myself and find my confidence by simply sharing one tip with me. I want to share my whole self with the world and hopefully I will keep inspiring young women to find their confidence and hopefully make them smile on a daily basis, like I do today!
What do you like most about vlogging?
Layan: I enjoy interacting with my people! I just couldn’t live without it. I receive so many messages from my followers on a daily basis thanking me for sharing my secrets. It is only normal. I feel happy when I discover I made someone else happy. Couldn’t say it in any other way!
What do you want to do beyond YouTube?
Layan: I want to become a filmmaker that educates our youth about important world issues that often get ignored and censored by today’s media. I will also become an inspirational speaker for young women and men to help them pursue their dreams. So many of us are trapped and oppressed by others in our own world. I completely understand what that feels like…I was oppressed by a whole country and humiliated for years. Today, I am living the dream. I want this to happen to every single human that felt like me ten years ago.
Do you have any advice for curly hair vloggers?
Layan: Collaborate with people that inspire you and that feel your vibe! If this is your passion, keep trying new things, innovating, and do you! Give it your best.
Any upcoming events or projects you’d like to tell us about?
Layan: I will be speaking in front of 700 young women in May in Toronto. I hope to inspire them to be themselves and pursue their dreams! This one has been on my bucket list for three years now and it finally came to reality. My channel isn’t just about beauty; it’s about going after your dreams!
I am also working on a short documentary about how Israel forcefully evicted my family from our homeland, Palestine, and put us in exile (which is against international laws”>. I am very proud of my work and my team’s work! In the near future I will be featured in Bulace Magazine soon and collaborate with Jessica McGuinty, who is one of the most inspiring women in my eyes. I just keep on doing my best for now and keep smiling while shining haha!
What is your number one piece of advice for women with curly hair?
Layan: When you embrace your curls and love yourself, everything will fall into place. Stay active, keep expanding your knowledge, and maintain your beauty and mind. It is a continuous battle, yes, but you are here to win! In high school I was called Medusa, but today my curly hair got me half-famous! Never listen to others that bully you because they are only afraid of the different!
You can find Layan online here:
