What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Clueless and always unstyled! Those are the best words to describe how I grew with curly hair. Later on, being the daughter of a hairdresser, my hair was always relaxed with keratin and straightened!
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
My hair was tired! Just fried, and so short because I kept trimming damaged ends. One picture that I took on a humid day made me realize how ugly my hair was already. Also, having a curly daughter made me realize I don’t want the same for her. So I decided to search about curly hair and learned how to treat it. My husband supported me a lot since day one of transitioning!
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I started the Curly Girl Method! Life changing! I was completely clueless about curly hair and “The Curly Girl Handbook” gave me directions. I began in August 2017 and in September received a haircut. It was a regular cut — just taking away a few inches. Still, my hair was shoulder length. My hair began the transformation and in July 2018 my mother gave me an amazing cut with layers, which has helped with volume, shape, and definition.
How do you protect your curls at night?
Pineappling — it has been a life-changing method! I’m able to last all week without doing a thing to my hair! I wrap my hair with a satin scarf.
Who is your curl crush?
My future me! I’m looking forward to being my own crush, but definitely, my curls inspiration is Felicia Jones @hif3licia on Instagram.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Do I really need to choose one? I can’t live without conditioner, my satin scarf, or without a detangling brush. I’m loving the Denman brush.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
Currently, I co-wash and detangle my hair with any Not Your Mother’s Naturals Conditioner. I’m having a special love with the new black one (charcoal and bamboo line”>. After that I deep condition with any Shea Moisture or The Mane Choice deep hair masks. To style, I use the rake and praying hands method and use the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Leave-in, SheaMoisture Coconut Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Herbal Essences Gel. I must say that recently I styled with The Mane Choice Tropical Moringa Leave-in and Tropical Moringa Sealing Cream and I was completely obsessed with my results. I diffuse with the Dyson Supersonic and then scrunch out the cast with a few drops of Camille Rose Growth Serum.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
When my hair has different textures! Trying to find the right products and use the correct amount of them! Also, as I mentioned before, since I’m from a family of stylists, it was a challenge to hear the comments of the people who were used to seeing me with straight hair.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Many! Here are a few, starting with not brushing or detangling curly hair dry. Others: Applying products in soaking wet hair by sections. Deep conditioning every week. Pineapple at night. Using the praying hands method and scrunching out the crunch.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
To be free. Be yourself. Embrace your natural hair and skin! Pamper yourself. Feel good with yourself. Put yourself first and then the world. Have patience and deep condition your hair.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
