What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I didn’t really know I had wavy hair. I grew up in the 80’s, 90’s and so I permed my hair and made it as big as possible. Then later after perms lost their pizazz I did everything in my power to straighten it. Large round brush, paddle brush, flat ironing. I have thicker hair and so it was very damaging to my hair. My brother has beautiful curly locks and growing up I was always envious, not realizing I had the same texture hair as him, I just didn’t know how to style it.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
In 2020 as the pandemic started I got a cancer diagnosis. All hair coloring and maintenance went on the back burner. I quickly realized I had nice wavy hair and it was a deep brown. I had always colored it blonde. I had thyroid cancer and over the next year I lost a lot of my hair, it’s not near as thick as it once was. I stumbled upon the CG method [Curly Girl Method] and ran with it! It’s been fun to experiment and discover the potential of my waves.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
When I started getting lots of compliments from people!! I was thrilled that embracing my al’ natural was attractive and appreciated. People started to ask for advice and what products I used. I have loved my results. I appreciate my color, texture and resilience of my hair and I strive for natural beauty, to grow gracefully and in gratitude of what my body can do.
How do you protect your curls at night?
Surprisingly my waves don’t get too crushed at night and are easy to revive in the morning. I’m in the process of growing my hair a little longer and will probably pineapple it on my head when it is long enough.
What is your Texture Type?
2B
Who is your curl crush?
I am new to the curly culture and so I am discovering new folks all the time. I love to look at anyone who has 2b, 2c waves and soak up all the info and tips I can.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I just recently discovered Pacifica pineapple curls shampoo and conditioner. It really helps my hair form into clumps. And I always use Alikay Naturals Lemongrass leave in conditioner and their Crème Brûlée curling delight curl cream. If I want more of a cast I end my product with Not your Mothers Curl Talk sculpting gel. I continue to look for new products to try. Oh and I can’t live without my diffuser!!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I wash and clarify 2x week. In between I cow ash with conditioner always upside down, combing my hair with a large tooth comb. While my hair is soaking wet I put in my leave in conditioner and squish and scrunch, then add curl cream, then gel….squishing and scrunching while it is super wet and upside down. Then I squish out excess water with a t-shirt, put myself upright and air dry about 15-20 min. Then I diffuse on low flow, medium heat, again upside down until it is about 90% dry. Air dry a little bit more, shake out my waves and set with whatever hairspray I have. I don’t see too many curly’s using hairspray but it really helps to keep my hair out of my face. I feel like I am a newby and still learning so much from everyone
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I live in a dry windy climate, my cute morning waves sometimes are a mess by evening and get frizzy. And getting volume at my crown is a constant challenge. I’m still trying to figure that out.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Changing my hair products to sulfate free, paraben free, silicone free. My hair feels so clean despite all the products I use. Also my large tooth comb I can’t live without! I never use a brush anymore.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Just embrace what life has given you. We are all beautiful in our own unique way. Stop wishing for someone else’s hair and just love your own for what it is. After getting through cancer I am so much more appreciative of my body and what it CAN do, and I seek natural beauty…at 47 I feel like I can just accept myself and love what God gave me, flaws and all. I have 2 adult daughters and I want to be an example to them of self love and acceptance. My oldest has hair just like mine and my baby has sleek straight hair. Both are beautiful!
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
