Image: @carla.alverio
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up with textured hair wasn’t a problem for me at home. My mom would let me fix my hair on my own since I was 7 years old. She’d fix it for me only on special occasions, but it was usually a terrible blowout. I managed to care for my hair as best as I could.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
My daughter inspired me to embrace my natural curls. When I began to see her curls forming at the age of 2 (back in 2015″>, I then realized that I needed to be a better role model for her. I began to take better care of my hair by educating myself about how to properly maintain my curls.
Image: @carla.alverio
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moment during my journey was letting go of the excessive heat. I was so addicted to straightening my hair every single day before I began my journey. Now as a hairstylist, I have empowering moments every day by helping women embrace their natural hair and in the process passing down some of the things I have learned.
How do you protect your curls at night?
To protect my hair at night I flip my hair upside down and I put on my satin bonnet. In the event that the bonnet comes off, I have a satin pillowcase as a backup.
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crush is my daughter. She is growing to love her natural hair and her confidence at such a young age shows me that she is proud of her hair. She reminds me daily of why I began on this journey.
Image: @carla.alverio
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My essential product that I can’t live without is Righteous Roots Oils. Adding this product to my hair regimen has been amazing, making my hair fuller and longer. It’s a staple in my hair routine.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My current hair regimen is very simple. I currently wash my hair twice a week. I use the Bounce Curl clarifying shampoo. I also deep condition once a week (alternating between a protein mask & a protein-free mask”>. On my second washday, I use any shampoo that indicates Hydration/moisture. Rizos Curls is also one of my go-to items.
For styling, here are some of my favorites: Bounce Curl Clump and Define cream, Bounce Curl leave-in conditioner, Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel and Bounce Curl hairspray, Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream and the Rizos Curls Refresh and Detangle Spray.
Once my hair is completely dry (mostly by diffusing”>, I finish by scrunching my hair with Righteous Roots Oils.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging part of my journey was the transitioning stage prior to my big chop. The transitioning stage is when you stop using straighteners and allow your natural hair to grow out. It is a struggle for many people who try to embrace their natural hair, especially if you have severe heat damage or a chemical treatment. During my transitioning stage, I mostly kept my hair in 2 twists and a small bun.
Image: @carla.alverio
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Putting away the flat iron and dedicating myself to my hair care, mostly deep conditioning treatments has made a huge impact in my hair health. It has made a major difference.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
My advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture is to think about why they don’t love their natural texture. Sometimes, the answers are not so obvious and it requires some digging into finding out why we feel the way that we do. Whether your hair is naturally curly, kinky, or straight, you must love yourself first. Don’t worry about trends or who is doing what. Love yourself and everything else will fall into place.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
