NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Claire Aviles: My name is Claire. I’m twenty, a junior at Boston College and currently working as an editorial intern at NaturallyCurly!
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls, or have you always enjoyed and embraced your curls?
CA: I went through a bout of straightening my hair but I quickly grew tired of it. It just took too much time out of my day! I started wearing my hair curly before my freshman year in high school and around the same time, I discovered NaturallyCurly. Now I’m a proud type 3A and I check my “Frizz Forecast” almost daily. I love my curly hair!
NC: What is your current routine and regimen?
CA: My hair care routine is very low-key. I’ve found that too much product only weighs my curls down, so I try to keep it simple. I switch up my shampoo and conditioner periodically. Right now I’m trying Elucence’s Volume Clarifying Shampoo and Moisture Balancing Conditioner. I also switch between Paul Mitchell The Cream and Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, especially during the summer. Both products keep my hair smooth and soft.
CA: I usually wash and condition my hair at night. I comb my hair with a wide-tooth comb in the shower, while my conditioner is still in and then rinse. After patting the excess water out of my hair, I’ll use my fingers to comb a leave-in product into my curls. I almost always let my hair air dry.
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NC: What about your hair stylists?
CA: I’m a college student, so I admittedly don’t spend much on getting my hair styled. When I need a trim, I go to my mom. After cutting hair for her nine siblings, she’s a pro! When it’s time to “refresh” my layers or get a big chop (Locks of Love, anyone?”> I go to see John Hebert at Vitali Salon in Austin, TX.
NC: What are you favorite hair styles to wear with your curls?
CA: I usually wear my hair curly and down or in a loose chignon. My sister, a fellow curlygirl, just taught me how to do a fishtail braid, so I’ve been trying that out. I love the way my hair falls after I undo the braid.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
CA: Although I use my fingers for most of my styling, I would be lost without a good wide-tooth comb! I always have clips on hand to keep my hair out of my face. They’re especially important on windy days in Boston. Products are more difficult, because I like to try new ones periodically. My go-to is the Pantene Nature Fusion Line. I use the Moisture Balance Shampoo and Conditioner.
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NC: What do you do at night time for your hair?
CA: I leave my hair down most of the time but if it’s really hot, I’ll pile my hair on the top of my head in a bun. I’m always careful to use a scrunchie — I don’t want my curls to break!
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
CA: It’s easy and beautiful! I get more compliments on my curls than I ever did when I straightened my hair. I also love that it’s incredibly versatile. Although I usually choose to wear it natural, it can also be styled easily.
NC: How do you think having curly hair has impacted your everyday life?
CA: Being curly has really simplified my daily routine. Instead of spending an hour on my hair in the morning, I spend five minutes and then use the rest of the hour to drink coffee and start the daily crossword.
NC: What would you tell others to encouraging them to embrace their curls?
CA: Once you try it, you will never turn back! But you can’t expect to love your hair in a week. It takes time to find the hair care routine and products that suit you.
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects. Tell us about your life and what you are up to!
CA: When I’m not at the NaturallyCurly office, I’m working in book publishing or writing my own material. I’m looking forward to returning to Boston in the fall and then studying abroad in the UK.
