Search Results: Claire Aviles
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Alicia Angeles: My name is Alicia Angeles and I am a senior at Boston College. I’m 21 years old and from Montclair, New Jersey. I’m Puerto Rican and Dominican. Last year, I studied abroad in Madrid and this year, I am fortunate enough to be living in the “mods” here at BC.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
AA: I only started embracing my curls recently. I used to obsess over flat ironing my hair, and when I say obsess, I mean that I would iron it every single day. Thankfully, my hair isn’t completely burnt anymore.
NC: What’s your current routine?
AA: I wash my hair every two days with shampoo and conditioner made for damaged and frizzy hair. After showering, I use store brand gel and hairspray throughout my hair and leave it to air dry.
NC: From start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
AA: From start, I’ll shower, and maybe wash my hair. Regardless of whether or not I wash my hair, I detangle it while I’m showering. After that, I towel dry my hair, then let it down and part it. I’ll apply a palmful of gel to each side of my part, then another palmful to the front and back. After using the gel, I spray each side, then shake it out and am ready to go.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
AA: I love to wear my hair down or in a bun.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
AA: I cannot live without my gel, hairspray, Vaseline and a flat iron.
NC: What about your hairstylist?
AA: I have been going to the same hair stylist since I was eleven years old. I refuse to go to anybody else, and have been loyal to her no matter what salon she works at in New Jersey!
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
AA: I just throw my hair in a bun and go to sleep!
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
AA: I’ve always been natural, so I didn’t really get a reaction. If anything, I got reactions when I straightened my hair!
NC: Did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?
AA: I had a ton of insecurities because of how big my hair is and how hard it is to control. I hate swimming and sweating, because my hair frizzes right up afterwards!NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
AA: Not everyone has curls! I love that it makes me unique.NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
AA: Throw some product in your curls, wear them loose, and be confident!NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
AA: I’m finishing up my last semester of college and then I will most likely move back to New Jersey and hopefully end up working in New York City.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Nidia Daniels: My name is Nidia Daniels. I am a twenty-something and a proud South African Coloured.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
ND: I started embracing my curls in April 2013; I changed my mindset before taking any action. I started transitioning but then got frustrated at the lack of information for girls transitioning after heat damage. I then did a big chop in June 2013 and decided to keep it short for six months. My last big chop was December 19, 2013.
NC: What’s your current routine?
ND: I’ll wash once a week and co-wash if I have product build-up between washings, which happens often. NC: From start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?ND: I will wash my hair with a sulfate-free shampoo, followed by conditioner. Then I will do a mini LOC method with Twisted Sista Leave-In Conditioner and coconut oil. Then I use either Twisted Sista 30 Second Curl Spray or Curl Activator. Finally, I press my hair down with a satin headscarf and leave it to dry and set.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
ND: The basics are sulfate-free shampoo, conditioner, a wide tooth comb, an old t-shirt, coconut and olive oil, Easy Waves banded pack, Twisted Sista products, a satin pillow and headscarf and LOTS of patience!
NC: What about your hairstylist?
ND: I do not go to salons (if I go at all”> that do not know how to treat curly hair.NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
ND: Before my big chop, I would pineapple my hair. Now I just sleep on my satin pillowcase or spray Twisted Sista 30 Second Curl Spray before covering my hair with a satin headscarf.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
NC: Did you big chop or transition? For how long?
ND: I transitioned for a while but I did not find relevant (South African”> information and products that applied to me and I didn’t know anyone that was going natural, so I didn’t have a lot of support. I also discovered that there is more information for curly girls transitioning from relaxers than for those embracing their curls after years of heat styling. But three weeks after discovering NaturallyCurly and a week after my 22nd birthday, I big chopped.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
ND: It is less effort because I don’t have to keep my hair straight until my next wash, and I don’t have to dodge water!
NC: How does having curly hair impact your everyday life?
ND: It’s a lot to manage, but also so carefree.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls
ND: Equip yourself with a lot of information and patience before taking the actual step to big chopping or transitioning. Know that not everyone will understand your natural journey, but don’t let it get you down. Expect to grow as an individual. I had a no-nonsense, über confident and chic side that emerged once all my hair was cut.NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
ND: I am currently interning to get my (Marketing Management”> diploma. I have blog where I am documenting my hair journey and sharing information with South African girls that is relevant to our market and I am also trying to put together information on a social learning platform to help newbie curly girls in South Africa. We do not have nearly as many hair products for curly hair, so providing information is my key focus. I would also like to start a curly community for other South African girls and I am collaborating with another young woman that will help me bring this to life.If you are an American girl reading this and you are struggling with your hair, count your blessings! You have so many products available to you. Transitioning was very difficult for me because I wanted all the products that you have in the States…we don’t have as many to choose from. So far Dr. Miracles Curl Care and Twisted Sista are the only complete curly hair product lines that are easily available to us. The rest are just hair sprays and curl activators. I am still on a quest to find great curly hair product lines in South Africa!
Want to know more about Nidia? You can find her on her blog or on Twitter.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Gloria: My name is Gloria. I am thirty-one years old and the mother of a ten-year-old girl.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
Gloria: I have always embraced my curls, but I only recently learned to enjoy them.
NC: What’s your current routine?
Gloria: I wash my hair 3-4 times a week and I leave in the conditioner for as long as possible (usually twenty minutes”>. I like to switch up my products every now and then; I am currently using Herbal Essences Hydra-licious Shampoo and Conditioner. NC: From start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?Gloria: Pretty simple…I wash and condition, then use L’Oreal Everstyle Free Curl Defining Gel and sometimes I add Suave Moroccan Argan Styling Gel. I always air dry my hair.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear?
Gloria: I like to leave my hair down and loose, but occasionally I’ll wear it in a ponytail.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
Gloria: One of my must-have products is a good conditioner (a favorite is Mixed Chicks leave-in, which is also a great curl definer”>. I also need a wide tooth comb.
NC: What about your hairstylist?
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
Gloria: I put it in a loose bun or leave it down.NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
Gloria: I have always been natural, and the reactions are mixed. Some love it, and others constantly ask why I don’t give in and straighten it.
NC: Did you big chop or transition? For how long?
Gloria: I did not big chop by choice! I was in need of a trim desperately but I had waited too long and the ends were very dry and damaged. The stylist went scissor happy and I almost ended up with a bob! It was a very disappointing situation. and the stylist went scissor happy so I almost ended up with a bob! It was a very disappointing situation.
NC: Did you ever have curly girl insecurities?
Gloria: The only insecurity I have is shared by many fellow curlies…frizz.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
Gloria: It looks beautiful, it is easy and quick and I cannot imagine my hair any other way! It makes me who I am. It is part of my personality.
NC: How does having curly hair impact your everyday life?
Gloria: I have had people come up to me and just touch my hair and I’ve had others ask if it is real! It is definitely a conversation starter. I love it!
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls
Gloria: Not only is curly hair amazing, but it is also time saving and you get the best of both worlds…you can alternate between straight and curly.NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
Gloria: I do not have any upcoming projects but I do love to write and read, so hopefully my dream of having my own book will happen! For now I am balancing work and being a mommy while trying out curly hair products until I find the ones that suit my needs.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Denise: Hello, my name is Denise. I am 23 years old and from Lisbon, Portugal (but born in Angola”>. My passions are music, film, and food…and more recently, my curly hair!
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
Denise: My mom took care of my hair when I was younger, but then I grew up and blew it! I am no different from other curly girls…my friends had straight hair, and I thought that was beautiful, even though people encouraged me to let my curls breathe. I didn’t think that the “afro-curly look” was pretty on me.
My natural movement didn’t start until last year when I met my Curly Essence partner, Ana. I finally met someone who shared all the same issues and stories. If only we had met sooner :”>NC: What’s your current routine?
Denise: I am still very new to all this, so every wash and go is a new experience. Right now I am limiting my product craziness because I was a true product junkie. And with my fine fine hair, I only need two products to do the trick! I shampoo each time I wash my hair—three times a week—use conditioner, and comb my hair in the shower. Then I style it and just let it air dry!
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
Denise: I only wear my curls two ways: loose or in a high bun.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
Denise: I cannot live without my Kinky-Curly Leave-In…it is one of the best products for fine, curly hair! I also love Moroccanoil and Aussie Conditioners. And whoever invented bobby pins is a true genius!
NC: Do you color your hair?
Denise: I have never colored my hair, but I would like to one day! I am a scaredy cat…it took me almost a year to even think about cutting my ends (oops”>.
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
Denise: I love the pineapple method!
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
Denise: The good feedback: “Finally!” or “You look so must better with curly hair!” The bad feedback: “Didn’t you get your hair done?” or “It’s so big!”
NC: Did you big chop or transition? For how long?
Denise: I never went through any transition process. I always had curly hair…I just straightened it a lot. I used to skip going to the beach in the summer because I didn’t want to mess with my blow out! It sounds so ridiculous now.NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
Denise: I feel so much better with myself; it truly gave me a major confidence boost! I love that more and more people are showing off their beautiful curls. It’s so fun!
NC: How does having curly hair impact your everyday life?
Denise: I have more eyes on me (some good, others bad”>.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls
Denise: Don’t be afraid of being different; it is the best thing a person can do. You will feel so much better with yourself because you are being you and nobody else!NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
Denise: I started Curly Essence with my friend Ana in May 2013. It is a blog about curly hair and the natural movement, based in Lisbon, Portugal. The feedback has been truly amazing, so we are preparing a lot of great stuff for 2014. Hopefully we can turn Curly Essence into something unique.Want to know more about Ana and Curly Essence? Visit their blog to read more and to find links to their social media pages.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Ana: Hi! I’m Ana and I’m 23 years old. I’m the most positive and confident person you could ever meet.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
Ana: I grew up thinking that relaxing my hair was the best way to avoid problems, thanks to my mother. The first time my hair was relaxed was in 1997/1998 and at that time, I was about eight years and thought I was beautiful. Before age eight, my neighbor had always braided my hair. When I moved, my mom started taking care of my hair…and messy hair was my trademark! Everything changed in January 2012! I decided that relaxing my hair was no longer worth it…it was doing so much harm to my hair. The best way to treat it well, after so many years of “maltreatment,” was time to return to my natural state: amazing curly hair. In November of that year, I had my first big conversation about the transition phase with one of my curly friends, Denise, who was going through the same thing.NC: What’s your current routine?
Ana: My routine is very simple! I wash my hair about twice a week. I don’t use shampoo, so the night before I give my head a short massage with a mix of oils (coconut, black castor, and jojoba oil”>. This is the best way to nourish and detangle my hair!
The next day I wash with conditioner (Tresemmé Naturals“> and leave it in for half an hour. Then I dry my curls with an old t-shirt (to reduce frizz”>, and I finish with the L.O.C. method. Leave in – Giovanni, oil – Argan or Black Castor and then I use Whipped Butter Creme from Belle Amour Blends.NC: On a curly day, what’s your process?
Ana: Again, it’s super simple. I usually pineapple my hair before I go to bed, and I sleep on a silk pillowcase to protect my curls.
In the morning, I just shake my head (like a crazy person”>, refresh my curls with a homemade spray (water + oil”> and when my hair is dry, I use whipped butter cream (if necessary”>. Throughout the day, if I feel the need to refresh again, I use the spray…I always carry a mini version in my bag!
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
Ana: I ALWAYS wash and go!
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
Ana: It’s very important to have a good leave-in. I really like Giovanni, Mixed Chicks and Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream. They are my favorites so far! Tools: a good old t-shirt!
NC: Do you color your hair?
Ana: The first time I colored my hair was at the hairdresser (mixture of red with pink…not sure how to explain it”>. After that, I started to color my hair at home.
My hair is currently brown and I am thinking about going blonde in 2014, but I haven’t made a decision yet. Denise says it’s better to stay quiet :”>NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
Ana: I pineapple my hair at night to keep my curls looking nice when I wake up!
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
Ana: In general the decision was well accepted. There will always be people who prefer me with straight hair, but those opinions don’t influence me at all. I say that “in general” the decision was well received because it wasn’t accepted by my mother and I think I understand the reason.
My mom has the typical Indian hair, the hair I always wanted and never had, and seeing me with my natural hair which at one time of my life I “despised” is tricky (I suppose”>. She will never understand, and maybe if I had her hair I wouldn’t be able to understand my daughter either.NC: Did you big chop or transition? For how long?
Ana: I think in my case, it wasn’t necessary to do the big chop. I cut a few tips of my hair that were visibly damaged and that was without doubt the best decision I could have made! I have now been natural for almost two years.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
Ana: I love being me and having so much confidence!
NC: How does having curly hair impact your everyday life?
Ana: I think I have more of an impact than my hair does. I feel confident and of course that has a positive impact but if I’m feeling a bit sad, my hair isn’t going to help me. It usually helps me feel confident, but it doesn’t change my personality. I am more than my hair!
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls
Ana: Look into the mirror and say they are beautiful. Don’t take what society says to seriously. Believe in yourself…that is how you gain confidence. Love yourself girl, or nobody will (in my J.Cole voice”>.
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
Ana: At this time in my life, I don’t accept anything that doesn’t make me happy. I put aside what does not interest me and try to help the lovely girls loved from Curly Essence’s family.Want to know more about Ana and Curly Essence?
Visit their blog to read more and to find links to their social media pages.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
DM: When I was growing up, curly hair was not pretty.
We were not allowed to wear curly styles to school either, so I always brushed my hair or blow dryer it during my high school years. Then I went to college and started straightening my hair so I would look like most North American girls. It wasn’t until 2010 that I decided to step out and wear my hair like God intended. I discovered that my hair, opposite to what I had been told most of life, was beautiful and full of attitude. I started trying many curly hair products, but I still straightened my hair often…until I came across this wonderful webpage! I’ve discover so many methods and routines for curly hair! I’ve been wearing my hair natural for a year. Sometimes I still get the “When are you going to brush your hair?” look from my family and friends back home, but there’s no one else I rather be than my curly self.
NC: What’s your current routine?
DM: I like low maintenance things that get the job done…I apply that to most aspects of my life, including my hair routine.
I wash my hair every 2-3 days with either Maria Nila Curl Shampoo or my recent acquisition (that I just love”> the Garnier Response Marvellous Nectar Shampoo.
Then I condition with Curly Sexy Hair Conditioner, detangle and apply L’Oréal Curl Contour Masque while I shower.
After that, I use Tigi Catwalk Curlesque Leave-In Conditioner along with the Curlesque Curls Rock Amplifier, scrunch and let my hair air dry.
About twice a month I deep condition my hair with olive oil or coconut oil for about 2 hours before washing.
NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
DM: If it’s a wash day, I do the above. If I don’t need to wash my hair, I spray water and apply leave-in conditioner and cream gel. This keeps my curls soft. Then I let my curls air dry or, if I don’t have time, I use a diffuser.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
DM: My favorite style is a simple “let your curls down.” I also like curly buns.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
DM: My must-haves are coconut oil, the Catwalk Curlesque Curls Rock Amplifier, and hair ties.
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
DM: I pineapple my hair…it works perfectly!NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
DM: I got a lot of compliments! Everyone wanted to touch my hair.
NC: Did you big chop or transition? For how long?
DM: I never used any chemical treatments on my hair, but I used to straighten it very often, causing heat damage. Now I’m still transitioning. I don’t want to cut off a big chunk of hair, but I’m slowly working my way there.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
DM: Curly hair is an expression of self. My hair is just like me: full of culture and life, and hard to control. Also, I can have the best of both worlds! I can wear my hair curly or straight, and it looks fabulous both ways! It’s easy to give curly hair volume and style when you blow dry, and it retains the volume better and longer!
NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?
DM: I’m different. Every girl who steps up and wears her curls is encouraging awareness and acceptance.
It’s not okay to brush down our girls’ curls for school because it’s not “proper.” It’s not okay to be stared at because you wear your hair curly. Everyone needs to know that natural hair is just as beautiful as straight hair. Wear your curls, let them get used to it!NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
DM: Imagine all the sleep you could get…if you didn’t have to straighten your hair in the mornings!
Michelle Zimmer: Hello, my name is Michelle Zimmer. I am forty-three, I have three children, and I live in Bradford, Ontario.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
MZ: I have always embraced my curly hair…it’s way too much work to straighten it, and it looks better curly!
NC: What’s your current routine?
MZ: I wash my hair twice a week and use a Conair Shine Blow Dryer with a diffuser, never touching my curls, with my head upside down.
NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
MZ: On the days that I don’t wash my hair, I will use a one-inch curling iron on a few curls to reduce frizz.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
MZ: I love to wear it wild and natural!
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
MZ: I have tried a ton of salon products and keep going back to Got2B from the drug store. I love the deep hydration that it gives my hair! I also love my Conair dryer and wiggo diffuser.
NC: What about your hair stylist?
MZ: My hair is medium length. I would love to grow it longer but every stylist always says, “I’ll take one inch off ” and ends up cutting it shorter each time.
NC: Do you color your hair?
MZ: My hair is light blonde. I go to the salon for low lights and I color my roots at home–it’s too expensive to always head to the salon!
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
MZ: I pull all my hair on top of my head and loosely tie it with a scrunchie. Then, in the morning, I release it and pow! looks just as good as yesterday.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
MZ: I have always worn my hair natural. Once in a blue moon, the hair dresser will straighten it, but no one really likes it.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
MZ: Curly hair is so easy and free. I wish that more young girls would get rid of the flat iron and embrace their natural curls!
NC: How does having curly hair impacts your life?
MZ: People often give me compliments and say they love my hair. It makes me feel great.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
MZ: Put down the flat iron and let your natural hair flow…it’s who you are! Love yourself and your curly hair. The bigger your hair the better!
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!Stacy Hogan-Adell: My name is Stacy!
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
SHA: I haven’t always embraced my natural hair, and I was relaxed for many years. After the birth of my second daughter, I decided to stop with the “creamy crack” and began with wigs/weaves. After losing my edges and suffering from a damaged scalp, I booted the wigs and would just go with getting my hair pressed every month or so, keeping with the straight styles. It was not until I began working in the department of Africology here in our state college that I finally regained my love for my naturally nappy hair. With so much support and so many resources, I am now a proud, fro-wearing, curl-enhancing naturalista!
NC: What’s your current routine?
SHA: I’m still searching for a routine, working out my process that will work for my hair. I find that on a “wash day,” it’s washing with SheaMoisture, conditioning with As I Am, squeeze drying, applying SheaMoisture Curl Cream and Eco Styler gel and then styling my hair in bantu knots (which I love”> or flat twists (my go-to style”>.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
SHA: I love the fro-hawk and the protective styles of bun updos.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
SHA: I must have As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo, the entire SheaMoisture Thick and Curly line, and Twisted Sista 30 Second Curl Spray.
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
SHA: I always sleep in a giant mega bonnet (really, it’s huge”> and the next day, I oil my hands, take down and style my hair.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
SHA: Fortunately, I received positive responses to my decision to go natural. My husband was thrilled that I would finally get rid of my wigs and my friends were excited to see what “the diva” would do and how I would rock the natural hair. I even converted my sisters and a few friends…not by persuading them, but by being a trendsetter and leading by example!
NC: Did you big chop or transition and for how long?
SHA: I am a transitioning natural using the “search and destroy” method. I have chopped off quite of bit of hair and the results are very encouraging.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
SHA: I really enjoy the versatility of being natural…the many styles, the many product choices, etc. It’s a lot of fun!
NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?
SHA: It enhances my confidence. I love the looks I get (good and bad”>…I guess I’m a sucker for attention! More to the point, I enjoy that my daughters look at my hair and love the curly hair that they have. My oldest daughter (8″> loves when I flat twist her hair, because it’s “Just like Mommy’s” and my baby girl (3″> has natural curls growing like wildfire. It can stay that way because I now have the skills to cultivate her hair!
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
SHA: Don’t give up on the decision to go natural! Not all styles will work out the way you see them on YouTube, but keep up the pace…it’s worth it.
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
SHA: Outside of my 9 to 5, I have two projects that I work on: baking and clothing design. I own a business (StacyCakes”> and I am looking to launch a clothing line next year (BUILT by Stacy Adell”>. I have a fashion show coming up in March 2014 and I am very excited to share my passion for fashion with everyone! My baking business has been going for almost two years now, and getting stronger as time goes on. Maybe I’ll be on Cupcake Wars one day!
Want to learn more about Stacy? You can find information about Stacy’s business, StacyCakes, and her clothing line, BUILT by Stacy Adell, on Facebook.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
SA: I started embracing my curls on June 11, 2012. On that day, after seven months of transitioning, I did my big chop. My hair was relaxed from a young age, so I never really knew what it felt like to rock my natural hair and I really wanted to see what God blessed me with.
NC: What’s your current routine?
SA: I think my current routine is pretty simple. I use virgin coconut oil to pre-poo my hair and I only shampoo my hair once a month. Normally, I use Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Shampoo. To co-wash I use the Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Conditioner, or the Body Envy Conditioner (both smell AMAZING”>. Sometime I will add Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Leave-In, but not every time. I wash my hair in sections because it’s pretty thick, and then I pat my hair dry with a cotton t-shirt. Once my hair is to my liking in terms of dampness, I will add Carol’s Daughter Marguerite’s Magic Restorative Hairdress. After that, depending on the style I want, I will use SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie or Gel Soufflé. I let my hair air dry and the next day I’ll either comb it out into a fro, wear it in a high puff or, if I choose the day before, I will blow it out on low heat for a more stretched and longer-lasting fro!
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
SA: When it comes to “curls” I am a 4C so my curls are not really defined :/ Whenever I do twist-outs it gives me a little texture and curl definition but once moisture hits my head it is OVER. So my favorite hairstyle is the afro and high puff.
NC: What about your hair stylist?
SA: I have not gone to a hair stylist in about four years. When I DO step foot in a salon, I am either getting braids, twists, or a weave, and I normally wash my hair and do all of that TLC stuff at home, before going in. I also trim my own hair.
NC: Do you color your hair?
SA: YES! My hair is colored and I absolutely LOVE IT! The recent color I am rocking is spicy red from the Dark and Lovely Go Intense! coloring line. I color my hair myself at home and this is the third time I have dyed it. The first time I used brown cinnamon from Dark and Lovely and the second time I used light auburn.
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
SA: At night, I will detangle my hair and bantu knot it or I will sleep with my puff and put a silk bonnet over it. I prefer the bantu method because it helps to stretch my hair, but I get lazy some nights, as a college student.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
SA: When I first decided to go natural a lot of people told me not to. I got all the lines in the book from, “You’re going to look like a boy,” to “Nappy hair ain’t cute.” At first, I was a little scared because it seemed like I was receiving more negative than positive feedback, but I stuck it out and it is one of the best decision I have ever made in my life!
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
SA: The best thing for me in terms of being a curly girl is that my hair is authentic to me. I notice that even among the natural hair community, many people may have the same textures and attempt similar styles, but everyone’s natural hair is unique to them and their personality.
NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?
SA: My natural hair impacts my everyday life in a positive way. I feel more confident when I have my natural hair out and watching it grow has been a very beautiful experience for me. I also feel that now-a-days, people are more accepting of natural hair and since my hair has grown, I have received a lot of compliments. There are times when negative comments still try to weave their way into my life, but at this point I am so secure in my hair and the way it looks that the naysayers no longer bother me!
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
SA: To those who are looking to become natural or may be a little weary in their journey I would say, PUSH ON! Sometimes giving up seems to be the easier options, but DO NOT GIVE UP! Focus on the end result. Being natural is about more than wearing your hair in certain styles and embracing your natural texture; it’s about showing people, “This is who I am and I am not afraid to show it!” All people are beautiful no matter how they choose to express themselves and if you want to show your natural kinks, coils and curls, go for it and do not be deterred by the negative connotations. People saying negative things are not brave enough to step out behind the mask they put on day-in and day-out.
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
SA: I am an intern for Embrace Life Media, a network inspiring people through positive conversations and interviews on the web radio show and much much more! At the top of the new year the website will be launching so I am looking forward to that. I am also working on content for my YouTube channel and my personal website. Lastly, I have another project I am secretly working on, but I CAN say it deals with creative writing…
You can learn more about Shannon on her website, on her YouTube channel, or on Twitter.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
Sherry: I didn’t realize that I had curly hair until I was twenty-two. I went to a Nickelback concert and wanted to mousse my hair…I don’t know why but I did. Naturally, my hair took its own course and it became curly and defined. A friend complimented me and asked if I had permed my hair. I didn’t really know what a perm was, so I googled it and the light switch went on…I have curly hair! I finally figured out why my hair was the way it was. I understood why it became frizzy and puffy when I brushed it out. Though I knew I had curly hair I was too lazy and didn’t know how to take care of it. I didn’t embrace it until two years later. I had given myself a haircut, but messed it up so badly that I had to get it professionally cut. In order to fix my hair, the stylist had to cut my hair super short, to the point where I had to say bye-bye to my scrunchy. I was forced to educate myself on how to maintain curly hair and on the different types of hair products. Ever since then I’ve been rocking my naturally curly hair.NC: What’s your current routine?
Sherry: Contrary to popular belief, curly hair is super easy to maintain and it doesn’t even take that long to style, compared to straightening my hair! I’m a low maintenance girl so I keep it really simple. I’m currently trying out the DevaCurl collection and I love it.
NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
Sherry: I start off with DevaCurl No-Poo and then use DevaCurl One Condition. After rinsing the conditioner out, I finger comb my hair and then use a cotton t-shirt to pat the excess water out of my hair. Then I use a quarter-size dollop of the DevaCurl One Condition and scrunch it into my hair. To finish, I use DevaCurl Light Defining Gel to help hold the curls and of course, I always air dry my hair.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
Sherry: There’s no better way to embrace your curls than to leave them down and that’s exactly the way I like to wear my hair…loose and free!
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
Sherry: Right now I’m totally in love with DevaCurl hair products. They really do define and leave your curls soft. I’ve tried other brands but nothing works like DevaCurl!
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
Sherry: I haven’t quite figured out what to do with my hair when I sleep. For the time being, I just flip my hair over my pillow so that the weight of my head isn’t on my hair.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
NC: Did you big chop or transition?
Sherry:I did a big chop. I was a bit terrified of how people would react since it’s not normal for Asians to have curly hair. When I first started out I always worried if my hair was too big or too frizzy. “Do I look like a mad woman?” I wondered. But after learning how to control my curls, I’m actually more confident with my hair and I no longer feel insecure. If my hair does look a bit wild, I can always use the weather and my curly hair as excuses!
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
Sherry: The best thing about being curly is that you always look like you have spent hours on your hair, but you didn’t.
NC: How does having curly hair impacts your life?
Sherry: For most of my life I hated my hair, but now that I understand it, I’ve grown to love it. My hair looks great throughout the day and I don’t even have to do much! Since going natural, I have been so much more confident and I feel liberated! I don’t need to straighten my hair or hide it in a ponytail or bun to fit the Asian look.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
Sherry: Change is a scary thing, but if you learn to accept and embrace it, it can be beautiful. I think the most important advice is to educate yourself on hair products. Learn what ingredients are good and bad for your hair. Try a variety of brands to find the products that fit you and your budget.NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
Sherry: I am currently working at a few part-time jobs and freelancing. If I am not working, I am usually designing, doodling, or learning about photography. I am trying to stay away from a 9 to 5 job since I want to keep my options open and am still trying to figure out who I am.
Coloring your grays is always an option, but we love seeing women who embrace their naturally graying hair… just as they embrace their naturally curly hair! Check out the our tips for going gray gracefully.
9 Tips For Graying Gracefully
Get To The Root Of Things
No one likes half gray, half colored hair! Most women say that growing out their gray was the most painful part of the “going gray” process. Use a root concealer while you’re in the “transitioning” stages, to help blend your color. And be sure to talk to your stylist…he or she might have tips for making your transition a little less painful.
Trim Colored Ends
As you grow your gray out, trim off your colored ends! This will help to ease (and potentially shorten”> the transition.
Tackle Different Textures
Are you noticing that your hair is a different texture? That’s because gray strands tend to be coarser than their blonde/brown/red counterparts. Luckily, curly girls don’t have to change their routine much…you can combat your new, coarser hair texture by using heavy conditioning products and deep conditioning often. Your anti-frizz serum (a staple in your curly routine”> will also help.
Gloss Over The Gray
Instead of dying your hair at the salon, get a gloss treatment! It will add back some of the shine that you may be missing, and has great conditioning properties.
Try Purple
Looking for another way to counteract yellowing? Try using a purple shampoo or conditioner (like Clairol Shimmer Lights”> about once a week. WARNING: it could stain your shower grout blue.
Update Your Look
Remember that when you go gray, you should reevaluate your entire look. Your go-to clothing color or lipstick shade might have to change to enhance your complexion.
Get A Haircut
Gray hair and an outdated style are a deadly combination, so be sure to get a flattering haircut! It will make all the difference.
Embrace It
And of course, embrace your new silver ‘do! If you need a little inspiration, look to the fabulous Meryl Streep. She really rocks the gray.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!Jeannine Brown: Hello, my name is Jeannine. I live in Somerset, NJ and I currently work from home in customer service for a health insurance company.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
JB: I have been embracing my curls on and off throughout my life, but now my curls are here to stay!
NC: What’s your current routine?
JB: My routine changes depending on the season. In the warmer months, I wash my hair twice a week. I shampoo and DC my hair, and then I co-wash the second time in the week. In the colder months, I shampoo and DC. I love to try different products but my staples are the SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter line—I use the shampoo, the conditioner, and the deep treatment masque. For a leave-in, I either use the Cantu Leave-In or the Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-In. My preferred styler is the SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie.
NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
JB: I do not have a specific day that I wash my hair, but when I do wash it, I shampoo, apply the deep conditioner by sections (four”> and when the conditioning is done, I detangle my hair. Sometimes I sit under a hooded dryer or under a conditioning cap for 15-25 minutes. As I rinse my hair, I finger detangle, apply leave-in by sections, detangle again and then either put in 4-6 braids or twists in each section.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
JB: My favorite style is a braid-out, but I also like twist-outs.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
JB: I must have my detangling comb, a Denman brush, and my fingers!
NC: What about your hair stylist?
JB: I do not go to the stylist often, but I recently went in for a trim. I wanted a professional to trim my hair so it would be nice and layered throughout.
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
JB: I put my hair in chunky twists or braids and cover it with a satin scarf or bonnet.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
JB: It was not too surprising…the majority of women in my family are natural. There were a handful that did not seem too happy about my decision, but I was expecting that.
NC: Did you big chop or transition?
JB: I transitioned for about eight months before I big chopped. I wanted to transition for a year, but I had a bad salon experience and that made me big chop much sooner.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
JB: There is a lot of versatility. I can wear my hair straight, wash it and voila! My curls are back!
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
JB: Make the decision to embrace your natural hair! You can experiment with so many different styles. And don’t get discouraged if your curls aren’t the same as your “natural hair inspiration.” Learn to love your texture!
Want to learn more? You can find Jeannine on Instagram.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!Diane: My name is Diane. I am a twenty something with a passion for curly hair! I also love animals, especially my dachshund Stretch, live music, Disney Princesses, Snoopy, video games, playing with makeup and anything girly!
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
Diane: When I was younger, I hated my curls. Throughout high school and most of college, I would blow my hair straight and flat iron it constantly. At one point I even got a relaxer to keep my hair straight, which really messed it up. I tried to enjoy my curls a few times, but I always went back to straightening them until 2010, when I started educating myself and taking care of my curls. I grew the relaxer out. and went over two years without blow drying my hair straight at all. Now, I will maybe blow it out twice a year (at most”> for a change, but I have grown to love my natural wavy texture. It makes me unique. Once I learned to love and take care of my hair, it started to love me back, as silly as it sounds.NC: What’s your current routine?
Diane: I wash my hair twice a week and most of the time I let it air dry…when the weather gets freezing, I sometimes have to diffuse it because I get too cold! Each time I wash my hair, I prepare the night before by sleeping with stimulating scalp oils on my head to encourage hair growth and coconut oil through the length of my hair as a pre wash treatment. Coconut oil is magic—it helps keep my hair soft and smooth and counteracts some of the damage I do (from coloring my hair”>. Once a week I use a co-wash and once a week I use a sulfate-free shampoo. I always deep condition…my hair is very dry so using regular conditioner would be a joke! I try to sit under my steamer or hard bonnet dryer during one of my deep treatments because the heat really adds to the conditioning process. Some of my favorite deep treatments are the Living Proof Restore Recovery Regimen, Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment and DevaCurl Heaven in Hair. I leave conditioner in my hair anywhere from a half hour to 2 hours.
Right after the shower, I use normal conditioner (I like DevaCare One Condition“> as my leave-in, followed with the Living Proof Restore Cream, a gel and argan oil. I’ve been rotating between the DevaCare Arc AnGEL and Jessicurl Spiralicious. Then I scrunch the excess water out of my curls and take my curl ease towel and scrunch some more. I hang my head over my body much like the DevaCurl 3 step way. On days that I don’t wash my hair, I use a refresher spray and spray my hair in sections. Then I apply a leave-in conditioner and a serum. My favorite serum is the Nubian Heritage Strengthen & Grow, or DevaCurl MirrorCurls for special events. If I diffuse my hair, I use the living proof restore spray as a heat protectant.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
Diane: I enjoy wearing my hair down and letting my waves roam free.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
Diane: I need my diffuser for cold days and my steamer to help with deep treatments. Of course, because I have a lot of hair, I am never without a scrunchy. DevaCurl, Jessicurl and Living Proof Restore are my favorite product lines but I also enjoy products from SheaMoisture, Nubian Heritage, WonderCurl and Ouidad. I am a product junkie.
NC: What about your hair stylists?
Diane: My hairstylist is amazing. Her name is Lisa and she works at Marucci Hair Design in Staten Island, NY. She is a “Deva Inspired” stylist. I call her my magician because she makes my naturally not-so-great hair look amazing. She also colors my hair.
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
Diane: I pineapple it and put it in a satin bonnet.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
Diane: It wasn’t anything dramatic really…more like, “Oh, you’re wearing your hair curly now!” Now that I have grown my hair out and consistently take care of it, I get a lot of compliments. I’m still not used to it!
NC: Did you big chop or transition?
Diane: I did not big chop, but I had to grow out my old relaxer, which took years. The bottom of my hair was straighter than the top and also thinner, since the chemicals had really taken a toll on my hair. I had a lot of curly girl insecurities growing up. When I was a child my hair was horrible—I got called mean names because of it.NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
Diane: I can work out or go out in rain and I never have to freak out that the hours spent getting my hair to look halfway decent was a waste. It looks better curly and is much more care and worry free!
NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?
Diane: Because I prefer to air dry my hair and like leaving my conditioner on for long periods of time, I do have to schedule the time and days that I will wash it. And sadly, I feel some people STILL do not view curls and waves as professional so I struggle with that. But I won’t let them win.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
Diane: Curly hair is beautiful and unique. Over 60% of the world has curly hair. It’s all about being consistent, learning to apply products properly and deep treatments. The more you baby and care for your hair, the better it will behave and look. Taking a little time to research and play with products to see which work best for your hair is worth it. And avoid sulfates and silicones—it makes SUCH a difference! I can be considered a hypocrite I guess since yes I color my curls, but I treat them better than I would a cashmere sweater. Hair is the only accessory you really wear every single day of your life.NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
Diane: Right now I am hunting for a full-time job. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising, Marketing and Communications two years ago and haven’t found a job yet. It does get discouraging but I won’t give up. I would LOVE to work for a hair product company in their corporate office or something! Too bad I don’t live closer to NaturallyCurly ;”>
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
LD: I started embracing my curls about two years ago when the “natural hair movement” became the fad. I realized how beautiful curly hair is, and ever since I have been embracing mine!NC: What’s your current routine?
LD: I wash my hair with SheaMoisture Moisture Retention Shampoo and then I condition with Pantene Moisture Renewal Conditioner. I then finger comb my hair and rinse. Finally, I apply the SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie to my soaking wet hair and air dry.NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what is your process?
LD: On a curly day, I do a hot oil treatment, wash my hair, condition of course and use my SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I use the raking and smoothing method.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
LD: My must have product is the SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie! Without that product I don’t know if my hair would look as fab as it does :”>NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
LD: I wear a satin cap. NC: How often do you cut your hair?LD: I get a trim once every six months.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first went natural?
LD: I have always been natural, but I would always wear my hair straight, so I had a lot of heat damage. I went completely heat-free in December of 2011.
NC: Did you ever have curly girl insecurities?
LD: My hair was always so huge, so when I was younger people called it a “lion mane.” This upset me and I took a straightener to my hair. I straightened it almost everyday!
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
LD: Curly hair is diverse. You can wear lots of different hair styles that others can’t!
NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life
LD: I think curly hair has impacted my life in a good way. I see naturals and they stop me and say, “Oh my gosh, I cannot wait until my hair becomes your length!” or “People with hair like yours are the reason I went natural!”
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
LD: Curly hair is beautiful and unique! It’s the hair on your head and you were born with it…love it!
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
LD: I am currently a full time student at Stratford High School…I guess you can say I have a typical teenage life. Right now I’m getting ready to apply for colleges!
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
MP: I started to embrace my curls immediately after transitioning. I hadn’t seen my natural hair since I was ten, so I was amazed at what I saw growing out of my scalp!NC: What’s your current routine?
MP: My regimen is very simple, because I try not to manipulate my hair too much. I co-wash every two days and then wear my hair in twists.NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what is your process?
MP: I’ll co-wash and then seal my hair using the LOC method. Then, if I’m doing a wash and go, I’ll apply my styling product. If I’m wearing a twist out, I usually skip the styling product.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
MP: I do the occasional wash and go, but I LOVE to rock my hair in a curly ‘fro…that’s definitely my signature ‘do.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
MP: I’m currently in love with Carol’s Daughter Some of Marguerite’s Magic or Tui Moisturizing Conditioner. I gravitate towards the Ecoco Krystal Styling Gel and my trusty diffuser for a wash and go.
NC: What about your hair stylists?
MP: I do my own hair…there’s something very empowering about it!
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
MP: I’ll usually section, moisturize, and twist it.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
MP: It was definitely a mixed reaction—most of my close friends and my family cheered me on and applauded the decision to go natural, but others couldn’t understand why I would just up and cut my relaxed hair, which was down back.
NC: Did you big chop or transition?
MP: I got pregnant in September of 2012 and at around that time, my sister made the choice to big chop her hair (I actually did it for her”>. Seeing how beautiful her hair was, I made the conscious decision to follow in her footsteps and transitioned throughout and after my pregnancy.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
MP: Definitely the versatility and the freedom to walk out the door and just let my hair be exactly what it is…MY hair!
NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?
MP: It has had a huge impact! It’s like falling in love with myself all over again…it’s less maintenance in my opinion, and I like to think that I’m sending a positive message to my two daughters about their own curly tresses. Mommy loves and takes pride in caring for their hair, and they should too!
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
MP: Your curls are wonderfully and beautifully made! They are the most beautiful in their natural state.
We have been blessed with the most versatile hair on the planet! Embrace it and work with it, ladies.
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
MP: I’m a busy mom of four! I recently decided to join the YouTube community and I will be making videos to document my journey and hopefully I will be able to share the things that I love and encourage people at the same time.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!Mallory Briggs: Hi! My name is Mallory Briggs and I am from San Antonio, TX. I’m excited to have the opportunity to interview with NatuarllyCurly.com. I have loved the site for so long and have utilized many tips and tricks for my curls. I am always learning new things in my curly journey…most importantly, embrace who you are!
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
MB: I came to really love and appreciate my curls as a freshman in high school. Before my first Winter Formal dance, my mom bought me a diffuser. I used it and my curls had never look better. We both wondered why we hadn’t tried it earlier. From that point forward, embracing my curls was easy.NC: What’s your current routine?
MB: I shampoo and condition with the AVEDA Dry Remedy line. For styling products, I use the AVEDA Be Curly line—the style prep, the curl enhancer and the hairspray. I’m slowly adding weekly honey and coconut oil treatments to my routine.NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what is your process?
MB: After shampoo and conditioning (I shampoo every other day”>, I use a wet comb to detangle my curls. I first add 3-4 pumps of the Be Curly Style prep, starting mid-length and going through to the ends, and then I’ll run my fingers through my hair. After this, I add the Be Curly Curl Enhancer. I use the same method as before, with a slightly larger amount. Then I flip my hair over and use a towel to scrunch my curls together and help towel dry it a little more. If need be, I’ll twist my bangs to help them curl. I flip my head back over and use my diffuser. Once my hair is mostly dry, I spritz areas where my hair tends to fall flat or get frizzy with the Be Curly Hairspray. I’ll diffuse once more, quickly, shake out the curls, fluff where I need it and I’m ready. It may sound like a long process, but I’ve done it so often that I have it down to a science and it only takes ten minutes!
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
MB: I LOVE big, wild hair. I really enjoy my hair being loose and down so it can move the way it wants.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
MB: The Be Curly Style Prep and my diffuser, hands down.
NC: What about your hair stylists?
MB: I actually work at a salon and spa. I’m an esthetician so while I know skin, I don’t know hair and I’m still learning about mine. I rely on my friends who are stylists to help me. I recently had my hair cut by a good friend/stylist at my salon who has styled and trimmed me before. She knows how my hair works and really listens to my concerns.
NC: Do you color your hair?
MB: I do color my hair, which I am not too happy about as I’ve gotten older. I get my hair color done by a stylist who uses AVEDA color. It’s a chocolate brown. No matter what color I get (and I have worn many colors”>, I always go back to my natural dark brown.
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
MB: Not much. I’ve started sleeping with a silk cap on but I haven’t made it a regular thing yet.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
MB: Applause! Everyone really supported the idea.
NC: Did you ever chop off a significant amount of hair?
MB: I did a HUGE chop at the end of 2006, when I was in esthetics school. I went from my hair being mid-back length to a graduated bob that sat at mid-neck in the back and gradually lengthened to a little below my jawline in the front. I kept it trimmed that length for maybe a year and then began growing my hair out.
NC: Did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?MB: Growing up in grades 3-6 I think is where I held most insecurities. I wanted to look like other girls…I didn’t want frizzy, crazy hair after playing outside! I wanted to wear ponytails without bumps! For some reason that was a “cool” thing at that time and I hated having bumps.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
MB: Being unique! We all have wonderful attributes about us, curly or not, but I feel the curls are the outside representation of that quality. I love feeling free, wild and different.
NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?
MB: It impacts almost every facet of who I am I think…in a positive way. I love when other women with curls come up to me and ask me questions or give me compliments, and it’s a daily thing. I really enjoy giving them advice and helping them understand their hair a little more, if I can.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
MB: Love what you have! It will take practice and time but it is worth it. You were born with amazing curls. Work with them and enjoy them! As I grew up always hearing, “People pay a pretty penny for your type of hair, so love what you have.”
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
MB: My biggest decision recently has been to go natural! I was going to wait after the holidays because I like straightening my hair for pictures and doing different things with it. After getting a good cut and treatment, I thought, “Why wait!?” I’m gearing up for the holidays and am very excited to decorate my apartment like a winter wonderland. This year will be the first year I’m sending out Christmas cards with my dogs and I on the front. And yes, my hair will be curly!!
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!Heidi Bluming: I’m Heidi, a second-year graduate student at Boston College working on my Master of Social Work (MSW”>.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
HB: I started embracing my curls when I was 13. I blow dried my hair with a round brush for many years because that’s what my mother did. Then one day, I went to a pool party with friends and my hair got wet. One friend said to me, “Oh my god, you have curly hair! My sister does too and she puts gel in it and wears it curly every day.” I went home and told my mother I needed to get gel and I have never worn it straight since. And now I LOVE my curly hair!NC: What’s your current routine?
HB: I shampoo once a week (sometimes less”> and condition a few times a week in the shower. I comb the conditioner through with a wide-toothed comb and don’t rinse. I towel dry and add Moroccanoil, L’Oreal EverCurl Leave-In Cream, L’Oreal EverCurl Sulfate-Free Cream-Gel, and John Frieda Curl-Defining Spray and blow dry with a diffuser with my head upside down.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
HB: I usually wear my hair loose and big, with a few bobby pins for a half-up look, or in a bun.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
HB: Moroccan oil, conditioner, cream-gel and bobby pins.
NC: What about your hair stylist?
HB: I go to a place that specializes in curly hair and get a “curly cut.” My stylist uses curl-friendly products, scrunches and forms the curls, lets me air dry under the dryer and then finishes with a diffuser.
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
HB: Nothing in particular. But I never, EVER, sleep with my hair in a ponytail.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
HB: Amazement! People thought I got a perm.
NC: Did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?
HB: I have insecurities in the summertime EVERY year. The frizz is just ridiculous. No matter how much conditioner and oil I use, I can never seem to fight it completely.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
HB: It makes me unique and highly recognizable from far away. People always tell me that they see my hair before they see me!
NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?
HB: Curly hair is relatively low-maintenance and it makes my morning routine quick. It also keeps me mindful of how I carry myself because I stand out wherever I go.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
HB: Do research for stylists in your area that specialize in curly hair, and don’t force your hair to do what isn’t natural for it.
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
HB: I am finishing my MSW program and will graduate this coming May. I’m currently working at a domestic violence program and specifically focusing on empowerment, healing and prevention. In the future, I hope to open a nonprofit focused on women’s empowerment and healing, and working to help women from all backgrounds embrace their power and independence and fulfill their dreams!Want to know more? You can find Heidi on Instagram.
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!Gisela Garcia: Hi my name is Gisela. I’m twenty five years old and expecting my first baby, a girl, in January 2014.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
GG: I always enjoyed my curls although I definitely had days when I wished I had straight hair. I really started embracing my curls in my teens, when I was able to experiment with different hair products and styles.
NC: What’s your current routine?
GG: I try to keep it simple with a shampoo and conditioner for curls. I just started using L’Oréal Paris EverCurl products right after I shower; I use it twist sections with my fingers and define my curls. Then I let my hair air dry. My hair is soft and frizz-free, which I love. I don’t like to use a hair dryer because I feel that it damages my hair.NC: From start to finish on a curly day, what’s your process?
GG: I wash my hair and comb it while it’s still wet. Then I put my products in, usually with my hair flipped forward. I use my hands to scrunch and make a tighter curl, or I twist sections for a looser curl.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
GG: I use a pin brush to comb my hair, but most of time time I use my fingers to style my hair. I always have a hair tie on hand. I’ve been experimenting with a few new products and recently fell in love with the L’Oréal Paris EverCurl line.NC: What about your hair stylist?
GG: I usually go to my stylist once or twice a year for a trim. I usually like my hair long. Benito Barron at SoHo in Holland, MI is the one to go to…he knows how to work with my curls and always does an amazing job!NC: Did you big chop or transition and for how long? If you’ve always been natural, did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?
GG: I’ve always had long hair and wanted a change, but I was scared because sometimes my hair can get big. I also have a round face, so I didn’t know if short hair would look good on me and I didn’t know how I would style it. One day, I just went for it and trusted my hair stylist…he did an amazing job! I was surprised that it was so easy to style and my curls seem to be defined more.
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?
GG: It only takes me a few minutes to get ready, which makes my day a lot easier and I have plenty of time to do other things!NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
GG: I know it’s hard to find the right products for your curls (certainly took me awhile”>, but don’t give up! It wasn’t a next-day thing for me, but once you find the right products and routine, you’ll love your natural hair!
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
GG: I am currently six months pregnant with my first child (a girl”> and I cannot wait for a new chapter in my life! I’m not going to lie…I hope she has curls like mine so I can show them off!
