What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
It was quite difficult growing up with curly/textured hair as there weren’t many products on the market that catered to my hair needs. My mum would generally apply my dad’s Ultra Sheen to my hair which was extremely greasy and left we with flat looking hair with no curl definition whatsoever. There were even times when no product was used at all and it was simply brushed. As I got older I would wash my hair daily using shampoos containing sulfates and other harmful chemicals that were constantly drying my hair out, although I didn’t realize it at the time”>.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
It was in the summer of 2016 when I really started to embrace my natural hair. I was seeing more and more curly girls on social media which really made me take a long hard look at my own hair which made me realize that after all this time, my curls had the potential to shine. I just needed to take care of my hair and adopt the healthiest methods andproducts to bring out my curls at their fullest potential. So I began documenting on Instagram my journey which was about embracing natural hair. This was also the year I discovered there were now so many curly hair products on the market and they were right on my doorstep!
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moment of my natural hair journey has been having the priviledge of being a part of the most amazing natural hair community. Seeing and hearing about others on the same journey as me, all supporting each other and to be able to share their very own tips, advice personal stories has just made this journey all the better for me.
How do you protect your curls at night?
At night I protect my curls by always putting my hair up in a Pineapple hairstyle. This keeps my curls defined and prevents additional frizz from occurring.
Who is your curl crush?
I am a firm believer in being your own curl crush! We’re all on our own journey and I never compare my hair to others. But having said that, there are those who’s curls I just absolutely adore! @themestizamuse @curly_tanisha @ebony_natural_curls are just some of the most inspiring women with the most amazing curls!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My curly girl essential that I cannot live without would be my wide tooth shower comb! This tool is the absolute best for when detangling my hair and makes the whole process effortless.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My current hair regimen would consist of the following:
Weekly deep conditioning
Using a micro fiber towel
Cold water is your best friend as it helps to seal the cuticle
Picking and fluffing for more volume
Some of my most favourite styling products would include Boucleme Curl Conditioner and Defining Gel, Jane Carter Solutions Curls to Go Untangle Me Leave-in and Elongating Gel, Creme of Nature Curl Activator and Mousse.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moment of my natural hair journey has been accepting the fact that not all natural hair products (no matter how good/healthy the ingredients are”> are going to work for my hair. Everyone’s hair is different. It can be difficult to accept this especially when so many speak so highly of a particular product, but over time I’ve learnt to take my time and develop my own opinion on products based on my own experience. What works for some doesn’t work for others and this should always be kept in mind.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
The techniques and methods I now use compared to before my hair journey began have really made a huge impact on the health and appearance of my hair overall. These include:
Applying styling products using the “praying hands” method as this really helps to create more definition in my curls as well as prevent breakage during the application process.
Incorporating natural food products into my hair care routine has worked wonders! Nutritious ingredients such as lemon, banana, honey, avocado, olive oil have all contributed to the health of my hair.
Styling my hair while soaking wet as opposed to damp has made a big difference in how my hair looks and feels as this way, my hair is able to absorb more product as it dries.
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 have patience and don’t ever give up! The challenges you encounter along the way are all part of the journey. Documenting your journey is also a great way to see how far you’ve come. There will be times when products don’t work for your hair. There will even be times when products do work for your hair in the beginning, but then several months down the line they may no longer work. This is to do with the changes your hair is going through and so it will sometimes react differently to products. This is why patience is key along with lots of trial and error, but you will get there if you persist. Good luck! x
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