NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Kara Barcelo: My name is Kara Barcelo and I am a 3C curly girl. I enjoy sunbathing (when the weather is good, of course”>, singing and dancing, eating healthy and kicking butt in the gym.NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
KB: I hated my hair as a child because my mom, who has a different hair type, didn’t really know how to style my hair. I would always end up with a ponytail braid or big, bushy hair. I hated it! It wasn’t until my early twenties that I started to truly embrace my curls. I found that with the right products for my hair type and a good haircut, I actually liked wearing my hair curly! I looked better just being me.NC: What is your current routine?
KB: Shampoo, condition/detangle, apply product, and go!
NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
KB: After shampooing, I rinse and apply conditioner. While the conditioner is still in my hair, I detangle with a wide tooth comb or use my fingers. I braid my hair back and tuck the braid into a ball as I finish showering, allowing the conditioner to do its work for a few minutes. After I rinse out the conditioner, I bend over and wrap my hair in a t-shirt to soak up excess water. From this point on, I NEVER run my fingers through my hair — I don’t want to mess up the curl pattern or cause frizziness. I like my curls to fall naturally.After a few minutes, I apply product. I smooth it over my hair starting at the top. Then I work on the sides, the back, and finally flip my head over to apply product near the nape of my neck and at the ends. I may scrunch the ends a little, then flip back over and allow the curls to fall naturally.
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NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
KB: Conditioner is my best friend. Right now, my favorite products is Paul Mitchell Sculpting Lotion, which I usually apply as a leave-in before my styling product. I find that this product gives me awesome curl definition, and it leaves my curls soft and shiny. I also use another awesome product called Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard.NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
KB: I love to wear my hair down. In the summer months, I often stick a flower on the side.
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?KB: At night, I pull all my hair to the top of my head, and I use a satin scarf to wrap around the sides most of the time.
NC: What about your hair stylists?
KB: My stylist is a Deva Curl certified stylist. I see her for maintenance about every six months or until the curls on top of my head start getting heavy and I need a cut.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
KB: I fell in love. I couldn’t believe that my natural hair could look so good on me!
NC: Did you big chop or transition and for how long? Did you ever have curly girl insecurities?
KB: I did a big chop the first time then just let it grow. It took about four years to get my hair the way that I wanted, but I learned so much about my hair during that process. I used to be majorly insecure about my natural hair because I didn’t know what I was doing. I learned by trial and error.MORE: Real Texture Talk: Char Sillimon
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
KB: It’s being you. I have come to believe that it’s not about looking like someone else — it’s about looking our best as individuals. Learn to work whatever you have been born with! It’s about being and looking YOUR best not someone else’s best. I also found that going natural was freeing. I can sweat all I want at the gym, get in the water and sleep how I want, just being free!
NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your everyday life?
KB: Not only do my curls look good, but I feel good about looking my best. It gives me confidence and people see that and give compliments. I’m secure in who I am, and that always looks good. NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?KB: It’s a freeing experience, AND it’s cheaper! With the right products, cut and color, your hair can look great! Others can and have done it — so can you. It’s a leap of faith for many, but I say try it! It’s just hair.
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
KB: Right now I am involved with my church’s play production for Christmas. It’s about the importance of family and about how love is the center of the family and Christ is the center of love. The Christmas season can be tough on families. Sometimes we can lose sight on what is really important because of all the parties and desire for presents but what really matters is family and being there with and for them. MORE: Real Texture Talk: Rhonda Lee
