Image:@curlychickvic
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I grew up in Spain and was one of a few black kids in my school so my hair was always something that made me stand out from all my friends. I chemically straightened my hair to soften my curl texture for most of my teen years. I just wanted to blend in and had no idea how to care for my natural texture.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I just got so tired of how unhealthy my hair looked and felt. A few of the more long-standing brands like Cantu and Sheamoisture were starting to pop up and I started slowly transitioning by using better products and lots of twist outs to grow my hair out.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Starting my blog has been an amazing journey for me. It allowed me to really connect with the curly community in London and across the world, giving and receiving so much useful information! My hair has really come into its full potential through the commitment I’ve made to it through having to create content.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I sleep in a silk scarf — it’s done the trick or me for years and I’ve mastered the art of tying it so it doesn’t slip off at night!
Who is your curl crush?
I’d probably say Whitney White aka Naptural85 as she has an incredible head of hair and volumes of knowledge to back it!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Deep conditioner — it literally saves my hair in the winter months!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I like to keep it simple. I cleanse, deep condition, style, moisturize, and define my wash and go once a week and try to make it last the entire week.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I’d grown a thick full head of hair from years of twisting and made the mistake of going to a bad hairstylist for highlights. My hair was really impacted by the bad color job and I’m currently growing it all out so it feels like I’m on a journey again!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Deep conditioning with indirect heat works wonders for my low porosity curls. Learning to understand ingredients and figuring out which ones work well with my hair and which don’t has really made a huge difference (proteins can be touch and go for me”>. Also, finding a hair routine that works and sticking to it has really taken my hair to its full potential.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Embracing your natural hair can feel like such a burden with so much information, so many products, so many different styling methods out there. Trial and error is the way forward; have a little patience and stay committed to letting your hair truly shine and I promise you won’t regret it.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.