Search Results: Hortencia Caires

The "Most Influential Hairstylist In The World" Can’t Stand Curly Hair

By Hortencia Caires · Published July 15, 2016

Jen Atkin, I’m baffled. Are my spiral curls considered a trend?

Many naturalistas chose to embrace their natural hair long before it was accepted in mainstream society; we are still breaking the mold everyday. There are some of us who have grown to love our hair later in life, like myself. Whatever each of our individual struggles have been in learning to accept the very thing that grows out of our head, I realize that it is not society that needs to accept our hair. It’s us. Going through life feeling a notion that in order to be liked, we have to hide our real hair or change its pattern makes no sense. I am preaching to myself because it took me so long to realize that my hair was gorgeous in its own unique way. Sure, it took time and work educating myself because I was ignorant on how to take care of it.

Then we have Jen Atkin, who was crowned “the most Influential hairstylist in the world” by The New York Times.

With a client list ranging from the Kardashians to Chrissy Teigen, some may argue that Jen Atkin deserves this award. However, the curly community may disagree after a recent interview by Raleigh Burgan for E Online.

Burgan asked Atkin, “The one hair trend you can’t stand?” to which Atkin responded, “Cheesy, spiral curls.”

Burgan asked, “What’s an easy-to-do hairstyle that can instantly elevate any look?” to which Atkin said, “Always opt for a sleek look. It’s hard to mess up straight hair.”

*Insert puzzled emoji*

I’m baffled. Are my spiral curls “cheesy” and considered a trend? You mean, that thing 60% of us in the world were born with? It’s “cheesy” like, it’s out of style–which means it’s considered a style?

I understand that Jen Atkin doesn’t work with or understand natural curly hair. Maybe, as a community, we can forgive her. One thing is for certain, we should come together to educate her for she does not know the error of her ways.

Jen Atkin, our hair is fabulous and far from being “cheesy”!

This so called trend is what we have grown to love and rejoice over! So if she can’t stand the type of curls we have then sucks for you boo. We love it.

It all comes down to acceptance and the only person who you should care to STAND your “chessy, spiral curls” is you. Because listen! Your curls are popping!

Do you love Hortencia’s curls? (We do!”> She shared her essentials for a *perfect* wash day and it’s these 5 products.

To see more of Hortencia, aka Stylefeen follow her on Instagram @StyleFeen and to see more from NaturallyCurly follow us @NaturallyCurly

I Hated My Curly Hair… Until I Tried This

By Hortencia Caires · Published July 1, 2016

You’ve heard the story 1000 times over about the girl who hated her curly hair. My story is no different…

I hated my naturally curly hair and therefore, I wanted to change it.

I would use heat on a weekly basis without even thinking about the damage I was causing my curls. I didn’t even know what heat damage was until like five years ago. I remember when the damage really started to really show and I actually almost was glad. Why? Because I thought my hair was straightening out for good. Then, my roots started growing in curly and I was just horrified. The second I started acknowledging that I knew nothing about curly hair, I said to myself: you need to educate myself.

I found out what type of curls I had, the porosity of my hair and from there I realized which kind of products to look for.

I started to also go on YouTube and search for tutorials of people with my same hair type so I could know how to do my hair the correct way. I also suggest asking your favorite curly hair inspiration for advice there’s no shame in asking for help. I think I hated my hair for so long because I didn’t know how to do it so I just avoided it instead. So get to reading and learning!

Get a proper haircut

Once you figure out your hair type and porosity, get a proper curly cut that accentuates your face and makes your curls look their best.

I prefer dry cutting curly hair since it allows the stylist to see the hair take natural shape as he or she is trimming it. A good cut is needed, especially if you are transitioning back to natural. Not only will it get rid of the dead and damaged ends, but also promote healthy growth. While transitioning, I had to cut a good amount of hair so I could get a fresh start in my curly hair journey. Do a big chop or gradually cut the dead ends off around every eight weeks if you are not ready to fully let go of your length. Remember, short and healthy hair is better than long and damaged hair.

Find the regimen that works for you

So you started researching and educating yourself about your natural hair. You have a great haircut, too. Now it is time to figure out your unique hair regimen.

Every curly head is different; keep this in mind when looking through YouTube because although a set of products works for some, it may not necessarily work for your curls.

Learn your hair type and porosity to find what will help your hair flourish. The period in which you are trying out new products is a brutal one because you don’t know if your hair will react well with a certain products. I have gone through my fair share of products that clearly didn’t mix well with my curls. Bad hair days were kind of inevitable, but once I found what worked for me it was wonderful. I am always down to try new products of course, but sticking to what works for my hair is comforting and efficient because the results are more or less consistent.

How did you learn to love your hair?

Let me know. Follow me @StyleFeen on IG.