What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
It was hard as I never had any role models — such as friends or family — around me with my type of texture. All my cousins had thicker hair type 4 hair and I was the only one with finer, loose curls! I didn’t really know what to do with my hair — I usually had it up in a ponytail or just wild and free.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I was tired of curling my curly hair with heat and was inspired by all these beautiful curlies on the internet rocking their natural curls and decided I needed to put down the heat and LOVE my curls!!!
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
When I had my first curly haircut! Just WOW! I had a lot of stuff going on in my life and just one day decided I’m just going to get a cut! I loved my length and kept holding onto it even though it was not healthy. Having that cut made me feel free, strong, and ready for whatever challenge is thrown at me next! “A women who cuts her hair is about to change her life.”
How do you protect your curls at night?
At night I either use an oversized bonnet or a Buff, but recently I have turned to a silk scarf, which is working amazingly well!
Who is your curl crush?
It has to be @charmsie; she inspired me to embrace my natural curls! She is also a fine-haired curly like me and her YouTube videos literally saved my curls and I absolutely love her!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Oh, that’s hard; I have so many! It has to be my hair picker! You know I need that volume in my life!!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I wash my hair 2-3 times a week and deep condition one or two times a week! Being a full-time athlete, it is hard to manage my curls. With training, I get sweaty all the time. I have so many favorite products, but my go-tos are … Jim + Henry EIGHT, Witch I Love Your Magic Mist, Righteous Roots, DIY Flaxseed Gel, and Only Curls. I also love the Bounce Curl Gel and Cantu Activation Cream combo! Another amazing go-to combo is TGIN Green Tea Super Moist Leave-in Conditioner paired with Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Mousse – my results are always popping!
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moment of my journey is when I first started. I was using products that were too heavy for my hair and I didn’t understand why they didn’t work for me. Being on my natural hair journey has definitely taught me a lot! I feel like I’ve learned so much and have enjoyed every single minute of it — even the downs!!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Finger coiling has helped me so much! This has trained my curls to get them more defined. I recently went back to using the Denman brush and have fallen back in love with it! I used it last year and wasn’t a fan, but now that my curls have gotten healthier, it works amazing.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
When I first started my healthy hair journey, I did not like my fine curls. I used to see pictures of all these curlies with big, beautiful, curly, thick hair and I use to be like wow, why can’t I have hair like that! Now I have accepted that I have beautiful, fine, defined curls that I can do so much with! I feel extremely blessed that I have been given these lovely curls. My advice would be to be patient and find other role models with your texture and see all the different styles you can do with your hair.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
