What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
It was always hard for me to style my hair. I struggled with maintaining a healthy luster and shine because it was very dry. I didn’t have much variety; it was always in a bun or ponytail. I often flat-ironed and pressed my hair, which caused major heat damage. This made me even more insecure about wearing my natural curls.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I was introduced to the natural hair journey through social media and I was inspired to start learning more about curly hair. I made it my mission to learn how to rock my curls because I knew their potential and I wanted to be more proud of my roots. I was tired of the damage and breakage from heat and coloring.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moment for me was when I did the big chop. I had wanted to do it for so long. I was finally courageous enough and I knew it would be more beneficial in the long run. The results were great; short hair was so fun and something ne. My curls were more defined. It was very liberating and rewarding.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I put lots of castor oil all throughout my hair and I recently have begun braiding it as well and sleeping on a satin pillow or with a bonnet.
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crushes are @naturallyendia and @jewjewbee I absolute adore their hair pages.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I cannot live without my Cantu Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream and my Eco Styler Professional Styling Gel with Argan Oil.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I do a lot of wash and go’s on my hair, so my hair regimen begins with me applying water, then Cantu Argan Oil Leave-in, then castor oil or argan oil all over each strand from root to end, then I add Cantu’s Curling Creme for max definition and then I top it all off with Eco Styler Gel to my edges and at the top of my hair, starting from my roots, in order to secure loose strands and eliminate frizz.
Image:@itsbethanydani
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moments for me were discovering I needed a regimen and learning how to prevent breakage.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Moisturizing! I cannot stress it enough. I think I had gotten used to my hair being dry so I didn’t try to do much to it. Then it started breaking off and I realized it was necessary for me to oil and deep condition it as much as possible. I oil my hair every night and I deep condition once a week.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
I recommend to be patient, and to try to find a curly hair inspo on social media that will give you faith and also show you how to maintain your hair. The big chop is scary, but for so many, it has been worth it. Sometimes you just need the chance to start over. I would also recommend finding what works for your hair and not being afraid to try new things. Just because it works for them doesn’t mean it will work for you. Don’t lose faith just because it can get difficult, but understand it is possible for your hair to live up to its very potential.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
