What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up, I hated my hair. I hated having, what I believed at that time to be, “nappy hair”. I’ve always had long healthy hair, and I would beg my mom to straighten it for every special occasion with the hot comb. I felt like straight hair was far more beautiful than the kinky coily puff I wore everyday. Finally, for my 14th birthday my mom agreed to let me get a relaxer.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?
When I was around 21, after 7 years of getting relaxers, I wanted a change. I was tired of dodging rain drops, I was tired of spending hours blow drying and flat ironing. I was over it! I decided that I no longer wanted a relaxer, and that I wanted to wear my hair in its natural state.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
By far, the most empowering moment was seeing the smile on my daughter’s face after my big chop. She pointed at my little puff and said, “Mommy, we look like twins now”. My daughter loves my hair! Whenever we are out and about and someone compliments my hair she says, “That’s not a wig, that’s my mommy’s natural hair”. I love seeing her seeing me loving my natural hair, and in return she’s loving hers as well!
Image Source: @2muchpuff
How do you protect your curls at night?
At night, I usually do the pineapple method. I place all of my hair in a ponytail at the front of my head, right above my forehead, and I cover it with a bonnet.
Who is your curl crush?
I have a few! Amber (@finally.amber“>, Neki (@xolovelifeox“>, Apple (@trinivixen1127“> and Jewellianna (@jewejewebee“>.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Omg, I cannot live without my bonnet! I love it! I forgot it at home while on my honeymoon and I begged my husband to let me sleep in his durag!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
Right now, I am loving Natural Beautiii Haircare’s Rice Water and Hair Mask! I co-wash every Sunday, and I shampoo once every 6 weeks (or sooner if I have a lot of build up”>.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moment has definitely been balancing my hair and my newborn. Natural hair is a full time job, add a newborn into the mix and you may lose your mind! I’m so blessed to have my son, but I’ve definitely had more “bad hair days” than before because I’m just too tired to tame my mane.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
One thing that I attribute to my hair health is my refusal to use any heat. Its been 3 years since my big chop, and I’ve never flat ironed or blow dried my hair. I’m so afraid of heat damage, so I avoid all sources of heat, PERIOD!
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Our creator makes no mistakes, sis! Your hair is beautiful just the way it is. There’s no need in changing something that is already perfect!
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
