How would you best describe your hair?
Naturally Wavy / Curly
What is your hair type?
2c
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
As a child and well into my teens I had zero idea my hair was even curly. My mom kept my hair short and straight. I never had a say. In later years she told me she thought I wouldn’t take care of it if it was long. I remember having shoulder length hair in 3rd grade, but she always brushed it straight. In my junior year of high school I decided to let my hair grow and realized it was kind of curly. I liked it, but had no idea had to care for it.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally wavy hair?
13 years ago I went through a traumatic divorce. I immediately chopped my hair just past my ears. I had to flat iron it every day for a year just so it was presentable. As I transitioned my way into single motherhood so did my hair. I dyed it, fried it and cried over it. About a year ago I just stopped. I began treating my hair like the jeweled crown it was designed to be rather than a snarly birds nest. It’s been a slow rebirth but I am happy to report I have a Devacut specialist who keeps my curls on point and bringing me joy! I started following one curly page after another and got hooked! Embracing my curls has opened up a whole new world to me. I may have stumbled into the curly world a little uncertain but now I am confident. Confident and Curly.
How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
Everybody LOVES my curls! Strangers ask me how I get them so perfect, some ask if it’s a perm and my best friend’s mom remarked how beautiful my hair was then asked if it was a wig! What?!? Haha
My favorite compliment was from a complete stranger. We crossed paths entering a store and she said “I love your curls. Your curls are bringing me joy!” My co-worker was with me and every now and then he randomly says “your curls are bringing me joy!”
I always thank them for the compliments and give tips if they ask. I tell them it’s a process but it’s worth it and they can do it too.
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
Initially I was extremely critical if my curls didn’t come out as curly,bouncy or defined as the day before, but then I realized curly hair has a mind of its own so I just started going with it and haven’t looked back. I have to admit for a long time I thought I only looked professional if my hair was straight. I said that aloud one day and my co-workers were shocked. They said they never thought my curls weren’t professional. I had to ask myself Who? Who taught me that? I still fight the feeling sometimes if I have an important meeting or something but I then I remind myself “Curly hair don’t care” and I proceed on curls and all.
What is your current hair regimen?
I use Devacurl No Poo cleanser and conditioner consistently. I use Shea Moisture Yucca and Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Masque once a week and I just started using Dippity-Do Girls with Curls curl creme.
I alternate between air drying and diffusing throughout my hairstyling process. I am trying to wash every three days but sometimes that’s hard. Overall I am pretty happy with my routine but I’m always looking for new things to try.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
I have found the more wet my hair is when I apply my styling products the more defined and healthy they look. Also, using products designed for curly hair has helped.
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
The journey to getting your hair it’s healthiest is definitely a process. Be patient, reach out to others in the curly world for tips, tricks and encouragement. Above all just embrace it. Curly hair ain’t for everybody so own it and Curl on!
What’s your hair story? W’d love to hear from you! Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
