Image:@kimlisameyer
What is your hair type?
3b/ 3c
$$AD$$What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
During primary school, I loved my long, curly hair. My mom managed to try all sorts of hairstyles and I loved it so much. It was easy to manage and I could try new things all the time. During high school I started straightening my hair every week. I was peer pressured to see that straight hair is beautiful. This caused me a lot of anxiety to keep straightening my hair.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
During high school I couldn’t take it — I was crying every week while trying to get my hair sleek and straight. I decided in grade 11 to just ignore the comments and rude words, and I embraced my natural hair. It was curly due to the heat damage but I’m five years natural now and it’s been the best decision of my life.
How have your family, friends, and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
My friends were all brainwashed by social media years ago that straight hair is beautiful. But ever since I transitioned, they’ve seen the beauty in being yourself. This helped me grow and helped them to see people differently and love them for who they are. My family has a view that natural hair is a no-go. My grandmother never understood how one could not blow out her hair for functions or for Christmas. She would say things like “You could’ve at least tried to look nice!” and “Why can’t you do something with that mop?” It affected me in the beginning, but my mom encouraged my siblings and me to stay strong and love ourselves. All my siblings are on a natural hair journey and we try to help our family and friends change their view of and mindset about curly hair.
$$AD$$How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
I did not big chop. I stopped putting heat on my hair (blow dry, hair iron, etc”>. I deep-conditioned my hair consistently and let my natural hair grow it’s way out.
What is your current hair regimen?
I wash and condition. Finger coiling helps me get my curls bouncing up and down.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
Finger coils!! Deep conditioning and oiling my hair helps keep the shine and heal those damaged ends.
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
You are beautiful. People all have insecurities and some put theirs onto you. Remember that beauty lies within. Your hair is one part of loving yourself and allowing true happiness and self love to reflect in your life. People will see that smile on your face and compliment you more on your beauty that is coming from within. Remember, hair and clothes doesn’t define you. Love who you are and those things will follow and shine due to the transitioning happening inward and then affecting your outward self.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
