Search Results: Claire Aviles

Laura’s Curly Hair Journey
Laura’s Curly Hair Journey
By Claire Aviles ·

NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Laura: My name is Laura. I’m twenty-nine and I’m an Italian girl.

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

Laura:  I have always had natural curls, especially Type 3C from the ages 14 to 16. When I was seventeen, I relaxed my hair because all of my friends had straight hair. I wore my hair straight until I was 18 or 19.  Then I decided that I didn’t want relaxed hair anymore; I noticed that my hair had lost its curl and realized that I look better with my natural, curly hair. Now I love my Type 3B curls!

NC: What’s your current routine?

Laura: I’m currently using a natural shampoo, Lavera Rose Milk Repair Shampoo, and Splend’Or Coconut Conditioner. Once a week I make a deep conditioner with coconut oil (100% natural”> or a karité mask. As far as styling products go, I usually use aloe vera gel (Zuccari, 100% natural”> or for special occasions the Sunsilk Cream. I trim my hair once a year.

NC: From start to finish on a curly day, what’s your process?

Laura: I usually wash and condition my hair in the evening. I begin to detangle my hair with a brush with large teeth while my conditioner is still in and then rinse. After patting the excess water out of my hair, I’ll finger comb gel or cream into my curls. Once a week after shampoo I use a karité mask or a coconut deep conditioner before shampooing. On days that I don’t wash my hair, I will sometimes wet my hair a bit to revitalize my curls.

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?

Laura:I usually wear my hair curly and loose, in a high ponytail, or in a high chignon. Sometimes I like to embellish with a headband.

NC:What are your must-have products and tools?

Laura: I must have Lavera Rose Milk Repair Shampoo, a good natural conditioner and a hydrating mask. For a styling product, I must have an aloe gel which hydrates my hair and the Sunsilk Leave-In Cream which helps me to prevent frizz. I also keep clips and a wood brush with large teeth on hand.

NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?

Laura: I leave my hair down or put it in a loose ponytail on the top of my head.

NC: What about your hair stylist?

Laura: In the last few years, I have changed hair stylists frequently (I go to the stylist about once a year”>. I still haven’t found a stylist in Italy that I really love. I prefer to style my hair myself, aside from my yearly trim.

NC:What is the best thing about being curly?

Laura: The confidence I feel (except when the climate is humid”>. I like to see my spirally curls! I also spend a very short amount of time on my hair in the morning, and I save money because I don’t need to go to the hair stylist for special occasions; I can prepare my hair myself!

NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?

Laura: My curls make it easier for people remember and recognize me. Not many girls have hair like I do.

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

Laura: You have to be patient because it takes time to find a good hair care routine and good products for each type of curl, but I assure you that when you find your right curly routine, you will be satisfied. Curls are spectacular!

Deanna’s Curly Hair Journey
By Claire Aviles ·
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Deanna Pryce: I’m Deanna. As a young girl, I was always making things better. I would use any means to do so and nothing and no one was off limits: my sister’s hair, my father’s shirts, my mom’s wardrobe, and my dog’s toenails. The end results weren’t always an improvement! Now I’m forty-something and I’m still pulling the same stunts, redecorating people’s spaces, updating their places, and editing and restyling their wardrobes, usually with more success than before! 

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

DP: One day, when I was little, my mom tried to ‘trim’ my hair. The more she cut, the less it laid straight! I ended up with a lopsided bowl cut. In my teens my hair became wavier and very heavy–kind of like an ‘A’ Frame. But it wasn’t until I cut my hair off in my 20s that I actually began seeing curls–suddenly, my hair just popped up! It took me a long time to figure out that my hair required some weight to in order to fall into an actual curl. Because I wasn’t born with curly hair, I never really claimed them as my own…they were more like something I could coax out of hiding, once in a blue moon. Then I began vacationing in the Caribbean and discovered my hair’s curl potential! I just didn’t know how to get those curls back over the border and into Canada. But I think I may have finally figured it out…

DeannaNC: What’s your current routine?

DP: Because my hair is very dry, I only wash it once per week, if that. Truth be told, the original reason I rarely washed my hair was because I really didn’t know what my hair would do from one wash to the next. I would also get bad knots at the sides and nape of my neck—they were like dreadlocks and I thought they were kind of cool until I had to comb them out!

Now, since tossing all my shampoos, brushes and combs, and only co-washing , I can run my fingers through my hair and it’s curlier than ever! I’m even finding lots of ringlets. My favorite conditioner is Biolage; I love the scent but it’s really not the healthiest for my hair, so I alternate with Lush American Cream.

My routine is simple:

  • Following the Curly Girl’s Handbook, I wet my hair in the shower, give my scalp an invigorating massage with lots of conditioner, then rinse.
  • Next, I take another blob of conditioner and slather it on the length of my hair.
  • When it’s completely saturated, I finger comb it, gently coaxing the tangles out. I rinse (not too thoroughly”>, bend over and scrunch out the excess water.
  • After giving my hair another scrunch with my microfiber towel, I use Giovanni L.A Natural Styling Gel mixed with EVA-NYC Rock-A-Wave Curl Cream on the ends and work my way up, throw in a few clips for volume and let it air dry.
  • If I’m in a hurry I will use my diffuser, but I wrap a chiffon scarf around the actual diffuser.
  • Before I go to bed, I put my hair up in a very loose ponytail at the top of my head with lots of coconut oil scrunched into the ends. I also follow the Curly Girl’s Handbook for misting and re-scrunching between washes.

NC: From start to finish on a curly day, what’s your process?

DP: I wake up, give my curls a shake, check for any sticky-outies and give them a spray of conditioner/water mixture and re-scrunch.

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?

DP: I feel free and prettiest when I liberate my curls and just wear them loose! If I need a more sophisticated look for work, I’ll scoop my hair up at the back, give it a twist and throw in a bobby pin or stick/chopstick/pencil/makeup brush/paintbrush…whatever I have on hand! If a piece shakes loose it stays loose—the less fussing, the easier my hair is! 

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

DP: A beautiful smelling conditioner, a good and ‘healthy’ gel for styling and a curl cream for softness! As far as tools go, I always have clips on hand to hold my curls in place while air drying. 

NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?

DP: I use a soft 1-inch wide lingerie elastic to secure my hair in a loose pony tail on the top of my head–the only time I ever wear a ponytail! Then I scrunch coconut oil into the ends.

NC: What about your hair stylist?

DP: I was really hesitant asking my stylist to cut each curl individually and to cut it dry. But she totally got what I was asking and we got rid of the A-Frame. In between trips to the salon, I chop my hair here and there to shape it. You can’t go wrong when you’ve got curls–unless you’re cutting it when it’s wet! 

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

DP: When my husband and I first met, I was in my short and ‘popped up’ stage of hair—big loose curls, and short all over. One day as I was on my way out the door, going to work, he very kindly ask me if I planned on styling my hair before heading out! Now that I’ve grown it out, he thinks I have the sexiest hair. He’s as excited as I am about discovering new curls! 

NC: Did you big chop or transition and for how long? Did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?

During my teens, I did the Annie Lennox. My hair wasn’t any easier to control when it was short; it just puffed up all over the place and was too short to form curls. My mom used to refer to my hair as my ‘Rat’s Nest.’ The irony is that growing up in the ‘80s, everyone was getting perms!

As an adult, I’ve had supervisors, co-workers and bosses make comments about my hair when I wore it curly and they told me that my hair looked so much better when I wore it straight. I’m at a point in my life where I don’t really care what people think of my hair; it may not be on-trend straight, but it’s equally beautiful. 

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

DP: In a subliminal way, curly hair tells the world a little about your personality; it tells the world that you’re carefree and confident in who you are, that you don’t take yourself too seriously, that you may be spontaneous and are most likely a lot of fun to have around. After all, you can dash out for a cup of coffee or a bite to eat on a moment’s notice, not having to worry about styling your hair!

NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?

DP: No joke: I hope the character Merida (from the movie Brave”> has helped encourage young girls to embrace their curls. I know she, along with Julia Roberts and SJP, has inspired me! I’m old enough and wise enough to see through trends and not succumb to them—silky straight hair being one of them! I was never a flat iron girl; I’ve always loved walking in the rain or snow—it only helps to bring out my curls. But I can still relate with ladies and young girls that feel their hair must be shiny and smooth in order to be attractive. The curly hair trend will come around again when it does, we curly girls will be ready! 

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

DP: Quit drooling over models and celebrities with long and silky hair. Find yourself a style icon with the same curl type as you and be inspired by what she does with her hair! Accepting your curls is liberating and beautiful. This is the hair you were born, so it is unquestionably what suits your face and your personality best.

 

You can find Deanna on Facebook or on her website. 

Yani’s Curly Hair Journey
By Claire Aviles ·
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Yani Gallagher: My name is Yani Gallagher. I am twenty years old and I live in Tacoma, WA.

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

YG: I started embracing my curls about two years ago. I began my journey in September of 2011 when I began transitioning from years of over-processing my hair with relaxers, dyes, and just not taking proper care of my hair. I still wore my hair straight most of the time until I big chopped.

NC: What’s your current routine?

YG: My current regimen is pretty simple. I usually section my hair and co-wash it every week. I shampoo about twice a month. I almost always finger detangle to prevent breakage. Then I dry my hair with a t-shirt and apply a moisturizer and an oil to seal the moisture in. I let my hair air dry and never use any heat on my hair. I also use a henna treatment every couple months which helps protect my hair & retain length. At night, I use a satin pillowcase to reduce frizz and breakage. 

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?

YG: I’m not very “hairstyle savvy” (or maybe I’m just a little lazy”> but my go-to style is the poof! It’s fun and easy, and I get a lot of compliments—people say it matches my personality.

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

YG: The products I use vary on my budget at the time, what’s available, etc, but I try using as many natural products as possible. I use Organix Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Conditioner to co-wash my hair, Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream or anything from their natural line gives me amazing definition and a mix of oils that I put together…usually it consists of vegetable glycerin, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil and a little bit of rosemary essential oil. The only “tools” I use on my hair are my fingers! 

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

YG: When I was first going natural, I kept it to myself because it was personal to me. I wasn’t too worried about what other people thought because it’s MY hair. When people started to ask questions, they were nothing but curious and supportive. It was never a big deal to anyone, but I was asked a few times how my hair got so thick and healthy! For the most part I have gotten nothing but compliments and support.

NC: Did you big chop or transition and for how long? Did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?

YG: I transitioned for almost two years. During the time I was cutting off the damaged hair and perm little by little while protective styling. About seven months into my transition, I got my hair cut into a short bob but still had relaxed ends. I continued the transition up until this past July when I went ahead and big chopped the last three inches off and became a full-fledged natural! 

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

YG: The best thing about having curly hair is that I stand out in my own way that is still subtle. It feels good that anyone can straighten their hair or wear a weave but not everyone can have hair like mine. My hair is un-apologetically ME.

NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?

YG: My hair has impacted my life because before I was natural, I had little knowledge about my type of hair or how to care for it. I was adopted and my parents are Caucasian, so although they weren’t to blame, I just never had the knowledge or background of how to keep my type of hair healthy. It was always dry and breaking off. Growing up, I was self conscious because I didn’t fit into the “norm” of the black culture. I started my natural hair journey as a way to come into myself and become more comfortable with who I am as a person. It was a huge learning process that taught me a lot about self- acceptance and being proud of who I am. It also made me turn to a more natural diet and lifestyle in general.

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

YG: For anyone who is having problems embracing their curls, I would tell them not to worry about what anyone thinks. It’s YOUR hair and it’s growing from YOUR head for a reason. Own it and feel beautiful. It’s okay to be different and to march to the beat of your own drum. No one has the right to say anything about your hair…you should never feel bad about being yourself. Even though your hair is just that, hair, it’s still part of you and you should always be confident in who you are!

NC: Tell us about your life and what you’re up to!

YG: Currently, I am in the process of finding a good loctician. Yes, I’m locking and can’t wait! I LOVE my curls I have always admired dreadlocks and my next journey will be just another lesson and experience for me. Another new start! Aside from my hair, I am working as a Licensed Massage Therapist and I’m in the process of becoming a Reiki Practitioner. My whole transition was actually while I was studying in school and the alternative approach in the bodywork profession also helped me accept the change I was going through. I plan to also start working towards becoming a certified doula in the near future as well.

You can find Yani on Instagram.

Ana’s Curly Hair Journey
By Claire Aviles ·
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Ana Iris Santos Batista: My name is Ana Iris Santos Batista. I’m 18 years old and I’m Dominican.

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

Ana: Being Dominican means going to the salon every weekend to get your hair straightened and relaxing your hair as a pre-teen or even as a child. Needless to say, Dominicans do not embrace curls and do not particularly like them. I always wanted straight hair because it was what I was told was pretty and manageable. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I realized I loved my curls. 

NC: What’s your current routine?

Ana: I don’t have a routine. I’d like to have one, but I just haven’t found something that I’d like to do every day or a product that I’d like to use on a regular basis. On top of that, I’m extremely lazy when it comes to my hair. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t have the energy or motivation to do the necessary for my hair…Every. Single. Day. 

NC: From start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?

Ana: On wash day, I shampoo and condition my hair. I use my fingers to detangle before coming my hair with a regular comb. After I wash the conditioner out, I use a leave-in to make sure that my hair stays moisturized. Sometimes I also add an oil to seal the moisture in, and then I plop my hair. If my hair has already been washed and styled, I just refresh my curls with water or a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner. 

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?

Ana: My favorite hair styles to wear are the fro, the halo updo or just leaving my hair down with its natural curl pattern.

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

Ana: My must-have products are Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner and Garnier Fructis Leave-In Conditioner. My must-have tools include bobby pins and a blow dryer; I don’t use the blow dryer often but I still need it from time to time. 

NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?

Ana: At night, I usually dampen my hair with water or a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner. I either wrap it in my keffiyeh or leave it down.

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

Ana:  I received mixed reactions. Some people loved my big curly hair and others were simply not impressed.

NC: Did you big chop or transition and for how long? Did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?

Ana: I transitioned for 1-2 years and honestly, cutting my hair to get my curls back didn’t even cross my mind. My hair grows very slowly and I was—and still am—far too attached to it. I know that if I would have been made to cut most of my hair off, it would have left me in a very vulnerable place. 

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

Ana: I think the best thing about curly hair is the versatility. There are very few times when you get bored with your hair. The length of the hair determines what styles you can and cannot do (unless you choose to use artificial hair”>, but there is a style for just about everyone out there with curly hair. 

NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?

Ana:  During recent months, being a curly girl has impacted my life quite a lot. I can’t go outside without someone stopping me while walking or even driving! They always have questions and comments…sometimes I’m not ready for them. There is also a lot of criticism. I have received comments such as “Why are you trying to make yourself look black?” or “You should relax your hair. It will be so pretty that way. You’re far too light skinned to look like that,” and last but not least, “Don’t go out looking like that!”

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

Ana: If you like your curls, don’t care about what other people may think! It brings such freedom knowing that you look the way you want to look. 

NC: Tell us about your life and what you’re up to!

Ana: I recently started a YouTube channel called “Dominican Merida.” In a few days/weeks, I’ll start to upload videos. It will be a channel for naturals starting out or naturals who need new ideas on what to do with their hair. I also started a Facebook page called “Girl’s Manual.” This page is more about everything that girls like, need, or want to know about. 

If you would like to know more about Ana, you can find her on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, or Instagram.

Jacquelynn’s Curly Hair Journey
By Claire Aviles ·

NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Jacquelynn Williams: My name is Jacquelynn Williams. I live in Toledo, Ohio, where I was born and raised. I am happily married and I have four great kids.

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

JW: I started embracing my curls about two years ago after I had a horrible experience with heat damage. I actually damaged my daughter’s hair too, with a brand new shiny flat iron that was way too hot. I always thought I was more attractive with my hair straight and for some reason I thought it was much easier to spend four hours straightening my hair instead of learning how to deal with it curly. It has always been extremely long and heavy, so wearing it straight was a lot easier for some reason. But once I damaged it, I vowed not to let heat touch my head. For the most part, I have stuck to it. I had to cut about five inches off of my hair and off of my daughter’s hair. It was a very humbling and horrific experience. 

NC: What’s your current routine?

JW: Every other day I co-wash my hair. Then on Saturday, I will go ahead and shampoo and condition it. It’s pretty simple. With four kids, I don’t have a lot of time to spend on my hair. 

NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?

JW: I will wash my hair twice and then condition it. If I don’t feel like fooling around with other products, I will just leave the conditioner in my hair…it tends to tame the curls just as well once they are dry. I flip my hair upside down and comb through it really well and put it in a loose bun to air dry. Usually this takes the whole day; and once I take it down, the curls are perfect and it isn’t frizzy. I can go two days after that without having to restyle it. 

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?

JW: A high messy bun is my normal “go-to” when I am in a hurry. If I have some time, then I will part it down the middle and wear it down. It is shorter in the front, so if the humidity is nice to me and I have enough conditioner in it, my hair will be my friend. 

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

JW: I am not too picky about what shampoo and conditioner I use, as long as it is good for curly hair. Normally I stick with Suave and Tresemmé, when it is on sale! I use Shea Butter also, but sometimes it can weigh my hair down. Tools? As long as I have my detangling comb, I’m good!

NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?

JW: I HATE tying my hair up in any kind of cap, bonnet, bandana, scarf, etc. It never stays on my head anyway! So I have a satin pillowcase. I will sometimes put my hair up in a loose bun, but most of the time I just let it be free.

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

JW: People tend to notice my hair before my face and honestly, it gets annoying. I have cut my hair on a couple of occasions and every time I got scolded in some form. I realize that I am not my hair, but when people are used to seeing it very long, cutting it is difficult to get used to. I found that once I explained why I cut it, and that “it’s just hair, it will grow back,” people started to chill out…

NC: Did you big chop or transition and for how long? Did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?

JW: I did a mini-chop. There was a lot of damage, and I was in denial, honestly. I tried all kinds of things to get my curl pattern back, from deep conditioning to just praying. Finally, I realized that I needed to go ahead and cut the damaged parts off. 

I did have insecurities. Like I mentioned, I had a LOT of hair as a kid, and I never really knew how to take care of it in its natural state other than putting it in a ponytail. I felt like a lion…sometimes I still do! But I have gotten to the point where I don’t care and I actually love the big hair look.

NC: What is the best thing about being curly

JW: Diversity!!! I love that I can have so many different looks. A friend of mine told me that she loved my hair big and curly and that she knows some women who buy wigs that look like what I naturally have. That was a defining moment for me. 

NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?

JW: Curly hair has a mind of its own, so most of the time I don’t fight it, because I just don’t have the time or the energy. I am grateful to be able to toss it up into a bun or high ponytail and go; or let the humidity do its thing and look like the cowardly lion BEFORE he got to Oz. Being able to go out in the rain and not care if your hair gets wet is always a plus! NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

JW: Be proud of the way God intended for your hair to grow out of your head! Protect your hair and learn to love it the way it is. Take a little time to research your hair type so that you know the best way to care for it. Don’t let a disaster like heat damage make you realize that you are blessed to be a curly cutie.

NC: Tell us about your life and what you are up to!

JW: Right now I am working and sprucing up the new home my family moved into a couple of months ago. I also just started writing for my church’s Bible Study and I am working up the courage to start a blog! I love to write and so I want to use my gifts to help other people.

You can find Jacquelynn on Facebook.
Reinilda’s Curly Hair Journey
By Claire Aviles ·
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Reinilda Fernandez: Hola! My name is Reinilda Fernandez. I was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in NYC!

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

RF: It started just about a year ago when I got tired of using relaxers on my hair. I had been relaxed since I was twelve years old and I didn’t remember what my real hair looked like. I was curious! 

NC: What’s your current routine?

RF: I wash my hair once a week usually with Tresemmé shampoo and conditioner because it really loosens my hair. Then I use a mixture of deep conditioners. I usually change it up so I’m not using the same conditioner back-to-back. Currently I’m using a Dominican conditioner called “10 in 1” and SheaMoisture Deep Treatment Masque.

NC: From start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?

RF: First, I shampoo twice, then I turn on an episode of South Park (or any show really”> and detangle with my fingers. This usually takes 45 minutes. I don’t usually comb my hair since it’s so thick and I have broken so many combs! After detangling, I squeeze the excess water out of my curls and smother my head with Shea Butter and Carrot Oil. I just let it air dry after that! At night I put it up in a pineapple and sleep on a silk pillowcase.

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?

RF: I really don’t do much with my hair except let it loose or tie it in a poof. I guess I’m pretty lazy with styling it.

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

RF: It was definitely a mixed reaction. Most of my friends loved it and I’d get stopped when I went out. I always wonder where these pictures random people take with me end up! But my family reacted a little differently. There’s a stigma in my culture (maybe not all Dominican families are like this, but I have heard of many”> that “good” hair is straight, easy-to-comb hair. Because I grew up hearing this, I decided at the age of twelve that I wanted to get my hair relaxed so that I could have that “good” hair. When I went natural, I had family members tell me that I needed to go back because my hair was “bad” and not as nice as when it was relaxed. I think they have grown to accept it now. Most importantly, I love my hair and the way it grows from my head! 

NC: Did you big chop or transition and for how long?

RF: I’ve always had really long thick hair so I actually let it grow out at first because I was scared to have short hair. But then I realized that the curly hair growing out was not matching the rest of my hair, so I chopped off most of my hair, all the way to my shoulders. It was almost down to my waist before the chop. After that, I let my natural hair grow to my shoulders and I cut the rest off just recently. This process took about a year.

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

RF: I love being able to roll out of bed, shake my curls and head out! No brushing, no using a straightener, no worrying about hairs being out of place. It’s really liberating to just wear your hair the way it comes out of your head. 

NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?

RF: I get a lot of attention. I’ve never had so many random people asking to touch my hair. It’s nice to get noticed sometimes, but it can get annoying, especially because I don’t know where their hands have been! 

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

RF: Be comfortable with whatever grows out of your head. If your hair wants to grow out straight, wavy, curly, kinky…then let it! Don’t be afraid to show the world who you really are.

NC: Tell us about your life and what you are up to!

RF: I am an artist, so I am constantly painting and drawing. I will hopefully be enrolling in The Academy of Art to get my degree in Fine Arts.

You can find Reinilda on Facebook.

 

Top 5 Tips for Length Retention
By Claire Aviles ·

1. Don’t touch your hair

It can be tempting to play with your new hair growth, but excessive manipulation causes breakage. Keeping your hair back and out of your face (in braids, buns, twists, etc”> will help relieve some of the temptation to touch your hair. If you want to keep it, don’t touch it!

2. Lay off the heat!

Every time you use heat on your hair, you are damaging it. Try going six months without using heat and see what happens; your hair will be much healthier and you will have better length retention. Can’t live without using heat? Cutting back will still make a difference—if you usually use heat every day, try only using it once a week. 

3. Protective Styling

Protective styles are great for length retention—they require little to no manipulation and your hair will be protected from environmental damage.  But you can’t completely forget about your hair when it’s in a protective style. Remember to continue cleansing moisturizing your scalp and hair on a regular basis. There are tons of protective style options to try; some last for two or three days and others last for up to four weeks.

4. Finger Detangling

Finger detangling is best for fine hair or hair that’s prone to breakage. But there is definitely a fine line when it comes to detangling—as I mentioned earlier, you want to avoid excessive manipulation. You should detangle as little as possible, while keeping your hair as untangled as possible. Protective styling is a great way to keep that balance, and you should use natural oils or conditioner in the detangling process to avoid breakage. And of course, patience is key!

5. Get a Trim

It may sound counterintuitive, but trimming your damaged ends can actually help you in your quest for length. Obviously, trimming too often will defeat the purpose, so be sure to take care of your ends (moisturize and avoid using heat”>. If your hair is in good shape, you should only need to trim once a year.

Senitra’s Curly Hair Journey
By Claire Aviles ·
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Senitra Syas: My name is Senitra Syas and I am a second year graduate student at Georgia College & State University. My field of study is Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and I am looking to one day be a program manager for a project management firm. I was natural for nine years before my first relaxer and then began my transition to become natural for the second time on September 25, 2009.

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

SS: I began embracing my curls during my transition. I had friends who were either natural or going natural, and they all encouraged me. I was that girl who would just pat my relaxed edges (to prevent burning from my future touch up”> and say, “No girl. Never. I’d NEVER go natural. I like my hair straight, it’s easiest. It’s the best way for ME. Natural wouldn’t look good on my anyways.” So no, I didn’t always embrace them, but oddly enough I decided to transition directly after I had my hair fried, dyed, and laid to the side the way I liked it. After that fresh relaxer, I realized that I didn’t want to be relaxed anymore! 

NC: What’s your current routine?

SS: I co-wash every week and shampoo once a month. I deep condition after every wash, but every now and then I skip my pre-poos when I am short on time. I get a blowout and trim every 8-12 weeks, and flat iron about 1-2 times a year.

NC: From start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?

SS: If it’s a wash day, I’ll do the whole nine: a pre-poo of some sort (either hot oil treatment, or the honey highlighter”>, and then I’ll wash, detangle, and style with flat braids. I do this in the afternoon when I have no plans to go anywhere so it can dry overnight.

When it comes to every day after my wash, I use the LOC (liquid, oil, cream”> method to set my curls before bed. Once I have flat braided them, I’ll put on a satin bonnet and then call it a night! On my lazier nights, I’ll pineapple my hair and then sleep on my satin pillow case.

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?

SS: Currently, braid-outs are my go-to style! I enjoy doing flat braids (or cornrows”> that allow me to frame my face with my hair. When that gets old, I usually go for a high pony puff and may embellish the front a bit (with flat twists, a braid headband, etc”>.

In the cooler months, I usually get mini twists all over my head without any extensions. That way I can wear all of the colorful beanies I have!

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

SS: I must have my tortoise shell detangling comb, Denman brush, a good deep conditioner, a leave-in, and an oil. I consider myself a serious P.J. (product junkie”> so I have a problem settling down on a particular product. I am currently using a Garnier Fructis leave-in, Eden and Tresemme shampoo and conditioner sets, and an oil from the Curls product line. 

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

SS: I actually had a family member say I was going to look like I came off of the cover of “National Geographic” magazine. He didn’t say it to be mean, he was stating it as fact (according to him”>, but he was too late. I was WAYYY beyond the point of being discouraged; that season didn’t last too long for me. Once I put my mind to something “that’s a wrap!” I had my moments when I would have a pity party and think that no one would love me except for my Chihuahua Roxy, but that was only in the beginning. After the first three months or so, I started getting the hang of transitioning styles, so I encouraged myself when needed.

NC: Did you big chop or transition and for how long? Did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?

SS: I transitioned for one year and three months, though the goal was two years. I just go too anxious. At the one year mark, I cut a huge chunk of relaxed ends out of the middle of my head because of sheer curiosity, and after that I was HOOKED on MY texture. It was incredible to see what my curls looked like when they were unleashed, with no relaxed ends weighing them down.

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

SS: The confidence I feel. I just feel REAL. 100% really and fully me. No one can take my texture from me, or my genuine appreciation of it. My hair has so much to offer and so much untapped potential; it’s full of surprises, and I just love it!

NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?

SS: It has done good things for my wallet, that is for sure! I used to get my relaxers religiously and I was paying $55 a pop. And I save a tone of time…I used to travel over two hours for touchups! 

Being curly has also affected the way I feel and the way I see myself. I walk around with hair I was born with, and that makes me feel special. 

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

SS: It is more mental than anything. So many people are concerned with the difficulty of caring for natural hair, but in actuality it isn’t harder…it just may take a bit more time. For some people, curly hair care is stressful. However, if you give yourself time to love and appreciate your hair, it’ll make caring for your hair that much easier, and even potentially fun! 

 You can find Senitra on YouTube!

Kim’s Curly Hair Journey
By Claire Aviles ·
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Kim Windvogel: Hi, naturally curlies! My name is Kim, aka Blazing Empress. I am a writer and performer.

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

KW: My journey with my curls was always hot and cold, until two years ago. I think that was the time when my hair became more than just hair. Without chemicals, it became a political statement, my first love, and an extension of me. 

NC: What’s your current routine?

KW: I wash my hair with dread shampoo. Because this tends to dry out my hair, I am careful to moisturize properly. I use a mixture of jojoba oil, coconut oil, and hemp oil. A good, glistening conditioner also helps lock the curl.

NC: From start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?

KW: After washing with shampoo, be it dread shampoo or any other shampoo, I condition my hair and comb through it. Afterwards (if I have time”>, I let my curls air dry and then scrunch with my oil mixture. If I am in a rush, I quickly diffuse my curls, which adds great volume! 

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?

KW: Usually, I leave my hair to hang and bounce and do whatever it pleases. Every now and again, I wear a top knot, the pineapple style, or I loosely tie my curls at the back of my neck. 

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

KW: A wide-tooth comb, conditioner, jojoba oil, coconut oil, hemp oil and occasionally, a diffuser. 

NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?

KW: I apply gel to my hair. This might sound strange, but it helps to keep the curl locked during restless nights.

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

KW: Everybody reacted positively, although my mother was skeptical at the beginning, always wanting me to straighten it or tie it or do something to it that wasn’t natural.

NC: Did you big chop or transition and for how long? Did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?

KW: After relaxing my hair for ten years, I let it grow out for a bit before deciding to chop off all the relaxed hair. It took my hair two years to get to its “prime curl.” I had a lot of insecurities at the beginning. Was my curly hair curly enough? Why was my volume not on par with hers? But you soon get over all that.

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

KW: The freedom to enjoy my hair and the freedom to let my hair do what comes naturally instead of forcing it into styles it ain’t comfortable in.

NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?

KW: It has impacted my life in ways I never thought possible. I think it also affected my way of thinking. It is incredible.

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

KW: I tell women everyday that whether your hair is straight, curly, afro, dreaded, etc, you must accept it. Accept what you have and happiness will come naturally. Not forcefully.

NC: Tell us about your life and what you are up to!

KW: I run a page for women called Blazing Empress. I write poetry and essays for the modern-day Cleopatras. I write about things that I feel are unnecessary taboos in our world. Things like sex, marriage, children, life decisions, racism, homosexuality and love. I started Blazing Empress at a time in my life when I needed the support of other women. The response to my page has been overwhelming. Through my page I have received messages from many women, making me realize that many women out there feel the same way.

 You can find Blazing Empress on Facebook or Twitter! 

Nora’s Curly Hair Journey
By Claire Aviles ·
NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Nora Huber: My name is Nora (also known as shalimarcat”>. I’m 22 years old and I’m a medical student and YouTuber from Switzerland! My hair is a mixture of 2c and 3a curls, coarse and fine and really prone to frizz!

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

NH: I have always had a love/hate relationship with my hair…like a lot of other curlies, I suppose! I tried to go natural three times without success, and it was only a year ago that I fully accepted myself as a curly girl. Before, I only felt pretty when my hair was straight because everyone I knew and looked up to had straight hair. One day I realized that the only person I had to measure myself against was just… me! At that time I started to love myself for being me, and my hair was suddenly gorgeous! 

NC: From start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?

NH: I’m a bit of an experimenter with my products, but I have a basic routine that I truly LOVE: I haven’t used shampoo for two years, and I clean my hair with the As I Am Coconut Cleansing Conditioner. I use another conditioner to detangle my hair (the Darcy’s Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Moisturizing Conditioner in the winter, and the Jessicurl Aloeba in the summer”> first with my fingers, than with my tangle teazer. I rinse out the 60% of the conditioner, scrunch my hair to remove excess water, and with my hair parted in two sections, I apply my leave-in (I’m truly in love with the Kinky-Curly Knot Today“>. I rake, shake, and scrunch, and I repeat those steps with my styler (I adore the Kinky-Curly Curling Custard“>. I let my curls air dry in the summer, but I diffuse in the winter because 23 inches of hair is a LOT!

[prodmod]

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear?

NH: My favorite is the braided headband, but I also like a simple bun for my no-no hair days!

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

NH: A conditioner, coconut oil, a styler (gel or cream”>, a cotton t-shirt and my tangle teaser.

NC: What about your hair stylists?

NH: I have one stylist (she has curly hair”> that I trust for my cuts, and another fancy stylist if I want to color my hair. I’m planning a visit to the Devachan salon in Soho on my next trip to the USA! 

NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?

NH: I sleep on a satin pillowcase (it’s also good for your skin!”> with a satin bonnet or a satin scarf on my head. It’s the same level of sexiness as a pair of old socks, but hey… being a curly girl is a tough job! 

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural? NH: It was funny. People approached and said, “Oh, I didn’t know you have curly hair!” 

NC: Did you big chop or transition at all?

NH: I transitioned and I’m still transitioning from a relaxer that I had done to my bangs and also from some bad keratin treatments which stretched out my curls.                    

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

NH: Curly hair gives you ENDLESS possibilities. You can wear it straight, curly, twisted, braided, in updos, or down…  and every day it behaves a little differently than the day before. It’s bubbling, just like our personalities! 

NC: How do you think having curly hair has impacted your life?

NH: I think having curly hair is definitely time consuming. As medical student I always have to tie my hair up, disrupting the curls. But I think it is so cute when I finish your shift and let down my gorgeous curls! Everyone envies curly hair. 

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

NH: Going natural was the best decision of my life. I have learned so much, not just about curly hair, but also about myself! I have learned to truly love the way I am. It’s a mind-blowing experience and I suggest that every curly girl try it! It’s a journey, so maybe it will take you some time to get used to new you but remember, the magic happens out of your comfort zone. 

NC:  Tell us about your current and upcoming projects.

NH: Right now I’m having a lot of fun building up my YouTube channel for wavy and curly hair! I also want to finish my master’s degree in medicine. 

You can find Nora on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

4 Natural Hairstyles to Get You Out of Your Wash N Go Rut
By Claire Aviles ·

Are you in need of a little inspiration? I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite videos to give you easy hairstyles for your busy mornings. Check it out!

4 Easy Natural Hairstyles

Mane ‘n Tail for Curly Hair
By Claire Aviles ·

When my friend told me that she had started washing her hair with horse shampoo, I thought she was joking.

Horse shampoo? Where would I even buy horse shampoo? At the pet store?

As it turns out, I could buy Mane ‘n Tail, perhaps the best-known horse-to-human shampoo, at the drugstore down the block! So I decided to test the shampoo and give NaturallyCurly readers my take on the horse shampoo fad.

The Hair

I am a Type 2C/3A curly girl, depending on the weather. My hair is shoulder-length and relatively thin.

The Product

Because I was focusing solely on the benefits of horse shampoo, I simply replaced the shampoo I was using with Original Mane ‘n Tail Shampoo, “the original horse to human crossover shampoo that provides fuller, stronger, longer, healthier hair.” I continued to use my other products–Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Conditioner and Jessicurl Confident Coils Styling Solution–as I did before introducing Mane ‘n Tail.

The Ingredients

You can find the full list of ingredients here. It is important to note that Mane ‘n Tail Shampoo contains sodium lauryl sulfate, a cleansing agent that can strip the hair of its natural oils. However, there are co-surfactants also present, such as cocamidropropyl betaine, which works to reduce the drying effects of sodium lauryl sulfate.

Ultimately, you have to try the product to know if it works for you. I haven’t had any problems with the sulfates—in fact, my hair feels more moisturized than usual!

The Hype

Horses and humans are seeking the same results from their shampoo: clean, moisturized, thick, shiny hair. Horse hair and human hair also have similar protein structures, so it makes sense that a shampoo formulated to tame unruly horse manes and tails would also work on human hair.

It has been said that horse shampoo makes your hair thicker and even helps your hair to grow faster. Obviously, this makes the product extremely attractive, particularly to a girl that is trying to grow out her thin, curly hair.

The Results

I noticed a difference in my hair almost immediately. It was softer and shinier after only two uses–even my roommate noticed! And my curls stayed full and bouncy for longer than usual.

Now I have been using Mane ‘n Tail for about a month and I’m very happy with the results. My hair doesn’t seem to have changed in thickness and it didn’t grow exponentially in the last month, but it’s definitely softer, shinier, more moisturized and overall, healthier. Maybe that will eventually lead to thickness and faster growth as I continue to use horse shampoo.

I will definitely continue to use this product. At about $8 for a 32 oz. bottle, the price is right. And more importantly, my hair feels great.

I’m not saying that the product will work for everyone–you have to try it and see if it’s right for your hair type. But it’s definitely worth a shot!

Prom Curl Kit
By Claire Aviles ·

Prom is coming and if you’re anything like me, you hate getting your hair done in salons. The last time I tried it, I asked for a “loose, curly updo” and even brought in pictures. I ended up with a tight, beehive-esque hairstyle and an entire can worth of hairspray in my hair. Not exactly what I was expecting.

Needless to say, I decided to do my own hair for senior prom. If you have curls, it’s easy enough! Here’s are five tools and products that you’ll want to have on hand if you decide to be your own stylist.

Prom Curl Kit

Hair Regrowth and Stem Cell Research
By Claire Aviles ·

Hair Loss and Regrowth

Every woman loses hair on a daily basis—in general, it’s normal to lose about one hundred hairs per day, due to hairs progressing through the hair cycle to a phase known as telogen. But some women suffer from excessive hair loss.

This week, I interviewed Dr. Ryan Welter, MD, PhD and founder of The New England Center for Hair Restoration, a facility that helps to diagnose and treat all forms of hair loss in women and men. He answered all our questions about hair loss, prevention, and regrowth, and even gave us some information about his latest research.

The Major Causes of Hair Loss

The most common cause of hair loss in women and men is androgenic alopecia, more commonly known as “male pattern baldness.” Women tend to lose hair over their entire scalp and the hairline does not recede. Androgenic alopecia rarely leads to total baldness in women—the effect is usually overall thinning.

Because androgenic alopecia in women lacks a distinct appearance, it can be difficult to recognize, and there are many other causes of hair loss in women. Hair loss can be a sign of more serious medical conditions such as hormonal instability, thyroid disorder, anemia and nutritional deficiency, to name a few.

If you are experiencing excessive hair loss, Dr. Welter recommends getting blood work. “I normally perform a full set of blood work to rule out medical causes of hair loss in the women that I treat,” he says. “If an underlying disorder is treated, the hair loss therapy be likely to fail and the underlying disorder will likely worsen.”

Preventing Hair Loss and Increasing Hair Regrowth

It is important to remember that hair loss cannot always be prevented, particularly if genetics and other medical disorders are the root cause. But all hair needs proper nourishment with adequate proteins and vitamins. Proper care of existing hair is incredibly important and excessive trauma (tight weaving, hair extensions, dyeing”> should be avoided to prevent thinning. Taking cooler showers and staying away from the blow dryer will also help as well.

If you don’t suffer from androgenic alopecia or another hair disorder, maximizing hair volume and growth is as easy as eating a well-balanced diet with adequate protein, taking a multivitamin and biotin supplement daily and maintaining a healthy scalp by avoiding over-drying. You can make a huge difference with very little effort.

Stem Cell Research

Dr. Ryan Welter has become a pioneer in the field of hair restoration using cellular therapies and technology to enhance existing treatments. He says it’s the most exciting aspect of his research. “By using cells and growth factors found in the fat and blood, we can help reverse many types of hair loss naturally without the need for hormones and drugs.  Not all forms of hair loss can be treated in this way, but as we continue to further our research, we are hopeful that most hair loss will be treated by a cellular means in the future.”

To find out more about Dr. Ryan Welter and the New England Center for Hair Restoration, visit www.nehair.com.
Chamallie Forrest’s Real Texture Talk
By Claire Aviles ·

NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Chamallie Forrest: My name is Chamallie and I am a wife, a mommy to three little ones, and a beauty vlogger. 

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

CF: I have always embraced and loved my curly hair! 

NC: What is your current routine?

CF: I keep it simple because I don’t like to abuse my hair with products as I’ve done in the past. I shampoo, condition and deep condition. I cowash twice a week and the rest of the time it’s shampoo and conditioner with a deep conditioning treatment once a week.

NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?

CF: I shampoo and then apply my conditioner and brush it through. I do not use a wide tooth comb like most curly girls, as I find that it does not get every single hair. I use a large nylon bristle brush to distribute the conditioner, clip my hair up for the remainder of my shower, and finally rinse. I do not dry with a towel. I apply a dime sized amount of the conditioner I’ve just used in the shower as a leave-in and brush through my hair once again. I then part my hair with a comb, rake my fingers through to separate the curls and scrunch with a soft cotton t-shirt until my hair is no longer dripping. I always air dry.

MORE: Natural Hair NBA Dancer’s Real Texture Talk

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

CF: I need a deep conditioner and my brush to properly detangle. I am loving all Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy products. I have tried five different formulas so far and they are fantastic! I plan on trying the rest of the product line as well.

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?

CF: I love to let my hair be wild and free. About 90% of the time my curls are loose, but I will put it in a ponytail once in a blue moon. 

NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?

CF: I massage my scalp with Pura D’or Argan Oil and then distribute it from root to tip.

MORE: Giulia’s Real Texture Talk

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

CF: Being a Guyanese woman, my curls definitely set me apart. Most of the women from my country have straight hair. I don’t know how I got so lucky. I love the constant compliments and the best ones are when people think I use a curling iron!

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

CF: My favorite phrase…DON’T FIGHT THE FRIZZ! A little bit of frizz is healthy. Don’t kill yourself trying to tame every single bit you find. Embrace your beautiful curls and stop relaxing/straightening them. 

I also HATE to see that wet crunchy look because too much gel/mousse/hairspray is used. My hair has it’s moments and I embrace every part of it. Curl patterns from wavy to kinky-curly can be unruly and unpredictable but always beautiful. I prefer my hair to have more volume which usually means more frizz but I love it.

NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!

CF: I have a fan page on Facebook that focuses on health, beauty and female empowerment that I am working on growing each day. I also just ventured out into the world of YouTube and I am working very hard on getting more exposure and growing my channel by getting more subscribers. I just created a new fitness/weight loss support group as well. I am also working on my very own website where I will incorporate all the things that keep me busy such as being a wife, mom, interior decorator and beauty blogger/vlogger. I wear a lot of hats but each venture is equally as important because I’m equally passionate about all of them.

You can find me on Facebook or on YouTube! 

MORE: Kristen Gluch’s Real Texture Talk

5 Ways to Use Lavender Oil
By Claire Aviles ·

Oils are not a bargain beauty product, in fact some can be extremely pricey, so when you invest in an oil it is good to know that they have a variety of uses and applications. Lavender is more than just a beautiful flower with a sweet scent, and the oil extracted from the flower offers great physical and emotional relief. 

5 Uses of Lavender Oil

Chocolate Honey Scrub
By Claire Aviles ·

This February, NaturallyCurly is celebrating a full month of Curly Mixology! Each day we’ll feature one recipe for you to treat your curls to in the comfort of your own kitchen. Tweet us your favorite recipes with hashtag #CurlyMixology or share them on our Facebook page!

Chocolate Honey Scrub

Best Superfoods for Healthy Skin and Hair
By Claire Aviles ·

Looking for a natural way to keep your hair and skin healthy and beautiful? Try adding the following superfoods to your diet. They’re loaded with health benefits and, when combined with exercise, they can help you with your New Year’s resolution to lose weight too!

Superfoods for health and hair