NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Ashley Jackson: My name is Ashley Jackson and I’m from Plano, TX. I’m 21 years old, and I drive 18-wheelers across the country for a living.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls, or have you always enjoyed and embraced your curls?
AJ: I was born with straight hair. My hair didn’t start turning curly until I was about two years old. Growing up I HATED my hair! It was so different from everyone else’s and I didn’t know what products to use . I finally started to embrace my curls when I was a junior in high school. I was introduced to the Pantene Curly line of products, and they did wonders for my hair!
NC: What is your current routine/regimen?
AJ: I wash and condition my hair daily. Once I’m out of the shower, I towel dry my hair and apply six dollop-sized amounts of mouse throughout my hair. Then I wrap individual sections of my hair around my fingers to form and define my curls. If I don’t do this, my curls will be fuller and have more volume. Finally, I let my hair continue to air dry.
NC: What about your hair stylists?
AJ: I do not get my hair cut often, but when I do, I have my friend Keke McEntyre, who is a professional hair stylist and makeup artist, do my hair. I’ve known her for many years now, and she does amazing work for weddings and special events.
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NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
AJ: One of my favorite styles to wear is a half up, half down side ponytail. I make it look like it is all coming from the ponytail, and it gives the illusion of extremely long hair. Another favorite of mine is a simple bun because it requires very little effort.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
AJ: I must always have Pantene Pro-V Curly Hair Series Moisture Renewal Shampoo, Moisture Renewal Conditioner and Curl Defining Mousse-Maximum Hold 4. I always detangle my hair with a brush. I never use a comb because it takes a lot longer. NC: What was your most drastic haircut? AJ: When I was in the fourth grade, I had really long hair down to my butt. I did not comb it for a whole week! This caused it to matt up, so I was forced to get it chopped off to my shoulders.MORE: Top 10 Curl-Defining Products
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
AJ: The best thing about being curly is that not many people have curly hair like mine. It is a blessing from God that makes me unique.
NC: Does having curly hair affect your everyday life?
AJ: When I played basketball in school, someone’s hand would always get stuck in my hair, or someone would always pull it. Also, I must always have product in my hair for it to look presentable.NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
AJ: Experiment with different products to find what is right for your hair. Not all products work the same for all curlies. It took me years to find the right product.
NC: Tell us more about your current and upcoming projects!
AJ: I’m still a trucker and I travel across the United States daily. In my spare time, I love to cook and bake. I also love training animals to do tricks and perform for people.
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