Search Results: NaturallyCurly
“This fall, while hemlines are inching up, hair is coming down. Just as fashion history repeats itself, these cascading curls are a classic style.”
In Style
September 2003
Angela Jamison
By Angela Jamison, one of the bulging influx of Austinites Formerly of Dayton, Ohio.
I’m a woman who needs variety. In foods, music and, especially, hairstyles.
I flip back between wearing my hair bone straight or air-dry curly. But that was when I relaxed my locks.
In February 2000, I decided I was a ‘slave’ to the chemicals and needed to ’emancipate’ myself. So I asked my stylist in Dayton, Ohio, to cut it off, down to the healthy, curly roots.
Looking like the rapper Eve, I sashayed out of that shop a natural diva.
Oh, the freedom! The low maintenance.
Each morning, I’d wet my hair in the shower, slab on L’Oreal de-frizzing gel and springing curls mousse, dab on some Avlon moisturizer, and I was good to go. No rollers, no curling irons, no hair spray.
But the novelty of short hair wore off after two months, and I longed for long hair again.
I toyed with the idea of getting braids, but in the swirl of job hunting and moving to a new city, I put the hair decision on the back burner.
After I settled down, I had a grand idea: What if there was a chemical process that would tone down the curls but hold the body when I’d style my hair straight?
Enter Evelyn Jackson, co-owner of the Jackson Ruiz Salon in Austin.
We chatted about my straight/curly idea, and she said it was doable.
On my next visit, she gave me a touch-up with a twist. She brushed on the Arosci relaxer and let it stay on 10-15 minutes, but she didn’t straighten the roots. She let them loosen on their own. She rinsed it out and eyeballed the curls, but they were still too tight. She repeated the process and left the relaxer on five more minutes. Ah, just right.
Then she trimmed, blow-dried and styled my do. I was a vision.
That vision lasted all of 24 hours.
In the bustle of airport travel to Ohio to be a bridesmaid, my hair frizzed. Too afraid to try to tweak Evelyn’s wizardry, I styled around the puffy halo. Fortunately, the style looked fabulous enough to pose for wedding pictures a few days later.
About week after seeing Evelyn, it was time to go it alone. I washed my hair and blow-dried it, but the results were, um, puffy.
Was it due to my less-than-professional styling skills? Or did my hair require the full straightening press during relaxation? Who knows, but as far as I could tell, the puffy do was here to stay. So I reverted back to my curls.
But I was undeterred.
A few days into the real millennium, I bought a mild perm kit, Just for Me for children, and gave myself a perm. It turned out well.
Then I visited another Austin stylist, Angela Hunt at the Beauty Store and Salon. She deep-conditioned, trimmed and styled my hair. She gave amesome styling pointers (Paul Mitchell’s Foaming Pommade, for starters”>, and I’m back to experimenting with straight styles. And on my lazy days, I go curly.
It took 18 years of running the hair treadmill to see that the only rules I have to follow are the ones I set myself. Better late than never, right?
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
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Growing up with curly hair was different, but fun! Not only is my hair curly, but I’m a natural red head (the only one in my family!”> so it always got peoples’ attention. Almost every time I would go out I would either get a compliment on my curls/color or someone would ask me if it was natural…and I still do to this day! When I was younger I didn’t really understand why people were always commenting on my hair, but as I got older I realized how unique it is and I fell in love. I remember being a young girl at sleepovers and wanting straight hair like my friends because it seemed so much “easier” to style/keep up with. Little did I know then, embracing my curly hair could be easy!
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/wavy hair?
I’ve always embraced my curls but never in the right way. I would straighten my hair maybe once a year, but everyone would always tell me that I wasn’t “Carli” without them! So I would rock the curls, but all I cared about was length and no frizz…aka long, crunchy, unhealthy curls. I remember in high school and college I would pull out the ends while styling just so they would look longer when they dried. Oh and a diffuser? I would never even think about using because a lot volume was a no no lol. I look back at pictures and cringe now! I also had no idea how to properly style and keep up with my curls so I would wash my hair every day. My curls were always there, but they weren’t living their best life until I gained some knowledge and started my curly hair journey!
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
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Receiving messages from girls saying I inspired them to rock their natural curls is extremely empowering! Especially when girls message me saying they tried products I recommended and that they love the results! I started my Instagram page just for fun to share curly hair products/tips and to show my hair journey. The fact that I can inspire, help or educated others on curly hair is such a bonus! You wear your hair EVERY DAY so every person deserves to feel confident with what they have.
How do you protect your curls at night?
A pineapple + a silk pillow case is my go to! I swear by these and recommend them to any curly girl who asks me! I’ve also been wanting to try out a puff at night but haven’t perfected this yet. Knowing how to refresh in the morning has also been a huge component of rocking day 2/3/4 curls. I get asked a lot “how do you not wash your hair everyday?” My answer is always knowing how to protect your curls at night and refresh in the morning!
Who is your curl crush?
Ahh there are so so many, how could I pick just one?! My top ones are…
Chloe Homan
Lisa Moscatelli
& Hi F3licia
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
If I had to pick one curly girl essential I would say a bomb deep conditioner OR a bomb styling product! Both of these play a huge role in curl care and getting the best curl results after a wash day.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I wash & style my curls 2/3 times a week! I co-wash with conditioner, really focusing on my scalp (love a good scalp massager”> and then finger detangling. I will clarify with an ACV rinse about once a month to relieve itchiness/build up. I will also deep condition every other week in the shower with a shower cap. For styling, I make sure my hair is soaking wet, section it into 3, add a leave in, apply my styler (a gel”> with praying hands, and then flip over and scrunch, scrunch, scrunch! I will sometimes scrunch with a t-shirt to remove excess water at the end- this speed up the drying process. I love air drying and forming a good cast around my curls. If I am short on time I will diffuse on low heat. My favorite part is scrunching out the crunch once my curls are dry- this literally makes them come alive!
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What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I would saying switching my products was really challenging at first. I used the same leave in and styler for years and that’s what my curls were used to. When I switched to all sulfate/silicone free products my curls went through a weird transition phase. I still love trying new products and techniques- but it does stink when one doesn’t work out and then you are left with a bad hair day. Remembering to be patient is very helpful while going through your own hair journey- every product and technique won’t work for you and that is okay!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Styling on soaking wet hair is a game changer! This allows your curls to fully absorb the product. I used to style on damp/partially dry hair and notice a huge difference now. Also DEEP CONDITIONING! Total game changer as well- my curls are 10x more healthy, shiny and moisturized now that I deep condition. Also learning proper styling techniques has really helped me as well- but I would say before you even learn styling techniques, get rid of all unhealthy products! Good technique with bad products will not yield the results you want.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Educate yourself! There is so much information, help, advice out there! Whether it’s on Instagram or YouTube or Google…there are incredible tips out there if you look! It may not happen over night and you need to be patient in your hair journey. It takes a lot of trial and error while using new products and trying new techniques. But I can promise you that over time you will start seeing a difference and your curls will love you for it.
For many curly girls, discovering a diffuser is life changing. In addition to speeding up drying time – something that can take especially long for a thick head of curls – a good diffuser creates frizz-free, defined, voluminous curls. With a traditional hair dryer, the force of the air can prevent your hair from clumping and creating frizz. A diffuser works by reducing the force of the air so that curls can dry undisturbed.
To get the most out of this Holy Grail tool, we want to share the top dos and don’ts to avoid frizz:
DO invest in a quality appliance. All diffusers are not created equal. The new InfinitiPRO By Conair Texture Styling System uses a patent-pending, multi-chambered design that continuously circulates the airflow through the vents and interior to gently surround and evenly dry your hair fast, while helping to eliminate frizz. The professional AC motor delivers powerful airflow up to 50 percent faster drying time and 3 times longer dryer life. Ionic Ceramic technology reduces frizz by up to 75 percent and protects hair from damage, making it a top pick for curly girls.
DO apply a curl-enhancing styling product to soaking wet hair. This will encourage curls to clump as it dries, creating defined ringlets. Make sure to apply the product evenly, focusing on the mid-shaft to the ends.
DON’T start with your ends. Instead focus on the roots to prevent them from getting frizzy. When they are 80 percent dry, move on to the rest of your hair.
DO hover. When you start the drying process, hold the diffuser over your hair. It is important that you keep the dryer moving over your roots rather than just holding it in one place. The InfinitiPRO by Conair Texture Styling System’s unique air flow system circulates the hair gently and evenly around the hair, preventing frizz as the hair dries.
DO diffuse your curls in sections. Tilt your head to one side and place medium-sized sections into the bowl attachment. Hold the position for 20 to 30 seconds before moving onto a new section. Start on one side of the head, tilting the head to the side. Repeat on the other side.
DON’T set your heat on high for the entire drying process. The proper heat and air settings can make a huge difference. Although, using a high temperature as you start to diffuse can speed up drying time, use the low or medium setting for the heat and air flow. The InfinitiPRO by Conair Texture Styling System has 3 heat/2 speed settings for custom heat and airflow control.
DO cradle the hair in the bowl. This encourages clumping. Take a medium-sized section of hair and place into the diffuser bowl. The InfinitiPRO by Conair Texture Styling System has an extra-large bowl to accommodate all hair types.
DON’T touch your hair until curls are dry. This can disrupt clumping a curl formation, creating frizz.
DO flip your head forward so that curls are hanging forward, resting your curls in the bowl. This creates big, beautiful curls by lifting the hair up and away from the scalp.
DON’T hang your head upside down the entire time. This can cause your roots to dry in an upward, unnatural position.
DO set your hair dryer to the medium, cool setting. Be sure not to over-dry your hair as this will create frizz. Some curlies diffuse their hair with the heat setting on to speed up the drying process, but when possible, we recommend avoiding using heat on curls for their overall health.
DON’T dry your hair 100 percent with a diffuser. To get the best results diffuse until your hair is 80-90 percent dry.
DO seal your curls with the cool setting. It seals the cuticle and locks your curls into place. The InfinitiPRO by Conair Texture Styling System’s true cold-shot button locks in curls, waves and styles.
DON’T neglect your dryer. Like any other electronic appliance, it needs to be properly maintained. If you fail to properly maintain it, the air filter can become clogged and it will stop working. The InfinitiPRO by Conair Texture Styling System has a removable filter that prevents damaging lint buildup which extends motor life
DO: Scrunch out the crunch after the hair is dry. Put a little oil or pomade in your palms and rake them through your hair. If you like more volume, fluff the roots.
DO use your diffuser to refresh 2nd-day hair. If your curls look a little flat in the morning, spritz in a curl revitalizer or some water, hang your head upside down, and rest your hair in the diffuser bowl using The InfinitiPRO by Conair Texture Styling System cool setting.
This article is sponsored by Conair.
Image: miashantill
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up with textured hair was challenging for me because I didn’t know how to care for it. I begged my mom for a relaxer and she finally allowed me to get one when I was about 13 years old. All of my textured hair friends had relaxer so I guess it kind of felt like a rite of passage for me.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
My healthy hair journey began in 2013. For the majority of my life I’ve had below shoulder length thick relaxed hair. After dying my relaxed hair, I experienced an extreme amount of breakage which caused damage and forced me to cut my hair. After growing it back to its original length, one year later, I decided that I wanted to go completely natural. I’ve always thought that curly hair was beautiful but like many women, I didn’t know that I too had kinky curly hair. I wanted to finally embrace it. I decided to transition instead of doing a big chop because I wasn’t comfortable having short hair again.
Image: miashantill
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moments in my hair journey come from the many women who ask me for advice about natural hair. It encourages and motivates me to continue to be consistent with my regimen and learn more about my hair type.
How do you protect your curls at night?
My nightly routine is pretty simple. I pineapple my hair, wrap a silk scarf around it and cover it with my silk bonnet. The process takes less than 2 minutes.
Who is your curl crush?
My ultimate curl crush is Monica Stevens aka MoKnowsHair. I’ve followed her since the beginning of my hair journey back in 2013 and her knowledge of hair has helped me tremendously with my own hair journey.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Some of my essentials include: clarifying shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, leave in conditioner and aloe vera gel. The styling tools that I cannot live without are my tangle teezer, hooded dryer and steamer.
Image: miashantill
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I try to stick to a weekly wash day schedule. I shampoo my hair with a sulfate free shampoo. Next I put my hair in four sections and I add my conditioner. I always detangle my hair with conditioner. After I rinse it out I apply a hair mask or deep conditioner and I sit under the dryer, steamer or conditioning cap for about 30 minutes. After I rinse my hair I apply my leave ins and gel. My favorite leave in conditioners are Fortyfy’d Naturals leave in conditioner and Intense Hydration Potion and my go-to gel is Uncle Funky’s Daughter curly magic curl stimulator.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moment of my natural hair journey was when I first transitioned. I transitioned for one year and it was a struggle trying to blend two different textures. Wash days were especially hard because my hair was weak and finding creative hairstyles were a struggle because I was used to wearing my hair straight.
Image: miashantill
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Yes, deep conditioning my hair weekly has improved the texture, elasticity and overall health of my hair. I rotate between using a steamer, heat cap and hooded dryer when I deep condition. I have low porosity hair so heat helps the deep conditioner penetrate my hair shaft.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
I know that taking care of your natural hair can become overwhelming but don’t give up. Get to know your hair type. Find out what your porosity and density is and do your research. Your hair is unique so don’t compare it to anyone else’s hair. Be patient and stay consistent.
When did you decide to grow your locs? Did something or someone inspire you? How long did you grow your hair out?
I decided to start my locs at the age of 13. Both my parents didn’t mind me growing out my natural hair. My mom helped me start them. Having locs for me was liberating.
I’ve always been intrigued by the hairstyle and the way every other persons locs differ by their hair type. Locs are beautiful, it’s so unique and can’t fully be copied. I had my loc babies for 14 3/4yrs and grew to 38 1/2 inches! When I decided to grow my locs @nerissaneferteri became my inspiration. She maintained an elegance about her locs which I’ve admired throughout the years.
What made you want to big chop? Can you describe that experience and what it meant to you?
To be honest I felt it in my spirit. When you know, you know and you can’t shake it.
I never expected to ever cut them short, much less off entirely.
I began getting this compelling feeling that it was time for a change; a new chapter. I didn’t particularly get fed up of my loc babies but it was more about transitioning into a new season in my life to realign with my purpose. So for a few months, I thought about it and I prayed about it. I mentally prepared because my locs are very sentimental to me. I even had two photoshoots done of my locs to make sure I had these memories documented to the very end. Making time to process and accept the evolution made it easier to handle. When I finally made my big chop I was actually at peace. Surprisingly I didn’t have a meltdown lol.
Short Cut Inspiration: I ran across @mrs_tahirah page on ig while considering my Big Chop and immediately fell in love with her short cut styles. I must say this queen’s gracefulness with her styles was definitely instrumental in my deciding factor. Also, my barber Mr. Kutz @krewkutz made my big chop experience beyond anything I could’ve imagined, I felt very comfortable and I feel like choosing the correct person to execute is important. I’m very grateful it all aligned for me. I’m absolutely happy with my decision!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My curly girl essential I can’t live without is my Aunt Jackie’s Curl Boss Gelee and Cantu Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner with the Cantu Define & Shine Custard.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Maybe over the years as my locs grew longer I realized most people’s focus of me was initially placed on my locs and I began indirectly hiding beneath them, if not hiding then definitely using them to define myself. When people saw me, they saw my hair first. I even used them to define myself and my name on social media. I feel as though I have nothing to hide behind now that my hair is short, curly and natural and I’m now seen before people see my hair. That in itself is empowering, to be seen just as yourself without any conclusions. As women, we are more than our hair natural or locs and we should be seen for our complexities. I have the opportunity now to grow into more than the “woman with great locs” and I can choose to create a new version of myself with my natural hair.
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I’ve always been in love with my curls since High school, but I never used the right products for it, till one day my curls were damaged and my hair started falling, Then I made the worst decision ever, using collagen to straighten my hair.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/coily/wavy hair?
Using collagen didn’t help except for the first few months. My hair case got worse. At that time I noticed a lot of beautiful curly hair ladies so I got motivated to start getting my curly hair back
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The Curly Girl Method saved my hair. Taking care of my curls now in the proper way, using natural products makes me feel safe that my curls won’t be damaged again.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I tie it up in a pineapple shape and wear silk bonnet
Who is your curl crush?
I have a lot, but my favorites now are @curlsbyhamsa @curlipedia.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My leave in conditioner and Hair growth oil!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I deep condition & wash my hair with shampoo once per week and use conditioner 2-3 times per week
Favorite products:
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Patience. It took me a year to reach where I am now and during the journey I got those times when I started to get frustrated and wanting to give up.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
The oil mask. It improved my hair growth dramatically
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Patience, patience, patience once you start the CG method. Good things take time and this time it’s worth it!
“As a group, consumers with curly hair spend more on hair care products than other people with straight hair, and the curly-haired group is growing in major markets.”
— Penny Vanemon, global market manager of hair care, National Starch, which recently launched its CurlScience division to come up with products for curly hair.
“Household and Personal Products” magazine, Dec. 1, 2003
Image: Ayo
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up with textured hair was difficult. Everyone around me had long, straight hair and that was considered the most beautiful. I did everything I could to try and achieve that look. Relaxers, flat irons, and lots of tears were involved!
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
Once I graduated high school and moved to NYC, I was exposed to a much more diverse crowd than I grew up with. I felt that I could truly be myself now. A lot of my new friends encouraged me to wear my hair natural as well.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Doing the big chop was my most empowering moment. I actually did it after my curls finished transitioning. My hair was blonde last summer and I loved it but I wanted to start fresh, so I cut it all off. This was a big step for me because for so long I had used my hair as a security blanket. Feeling beautiful without it was amazing.
Image: Ayo
How do you protect your curls at night?
The easiest way for me is to sleep on a silk pillowcase. At times I’ll wear a bonnet but as we know that usually doesn’t stay on through the night!
Who is your curl crush?
Definitely @niathelight on Instagram (before and after she cut her hair! Gorgeous”>
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I can’t live without my hair pick! I’m always trying to get as much volume as possible
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
On wash day, I start off by doing a scalp massage with essential oil (peppermint & tea tree oil are my favorites”>. Before shampooing that out, I love using Devacurl’s Wash Day Wonder to detangle my hair (definitely cuts wash day time in half!”> Then I condition and make sure to apply my hair products in the shower while my hair is soaking wet, it helps define curls and prevent frizz.
Image: Ayo
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I think the most challenging thing has been realizing that your curls won’t come out the same every time. There’s going to be bad hair days, lots of them and it’s okay to just throw it in a bun! Also, figuring out what products work with my hair & learning my hair type was challenging. I’m still learning.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
-Rinsing my hair with cold water to help retain moisture
-Only washing once a week
-Using products that are silicon-free
-Scalp massages with oil treatments
-Protective styles (wigs, braids”>
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
It doesn’t happen overnight. It took me years to love my natural texture. Be patient! I still get frustrated at times with my hair. Curly hair is a life long learning process but it’s worth it.
Image: Ashley
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I was constantly straightening into submission. I hated my curly hair and I was ashamed of frizz and the mess. I thought I should have silky hair that I could “run my fingers through” in order to be attractive.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I was tired of straightening it every day and I was seeing how damaged and unhealthy my hair was becoming. I wanted to wear my hair natural and start taking care of it.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Learning to love myself. It has given me so much more confidence to wear my naturally curly hair.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I “pineapple” it with a satin scrunchie or silk/satin pillowcase.
Who is your curl crush?
Spisha (Ayesha Malik”>
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Deva Curl Ultra Defining Gel and Shea Moisture masks!
Image: Ashley
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
Co-wash: Deva Curl No-Poo
Conditioner Favorites: Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture, Sauve Coconut Conditioner (Silicone-free and so cheap, it has great slip”> and Shea Moisture Manuka Honey Mask
Cream: Deva Curl Super Cream
Gel: Deva Curl Ultra Defining Gel or the Kinky Curly Curling Custard
I use the praying hands’ method for all products of soaking wet hair, then scrunch until hair is no longer dripping, then air dry to diffuse (on low heat”>
Image: Ashley
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Finding a good hairstylist to cut my hair properly!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Minimal to no heat, no terry cloth/rubbing, combing hair in the shower when soaked in conditioner
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Don’t give up. It gets better. A bad hair cut will grow. Keep learning and experimenting, love yourself.
Image: Creative Soul Photography
Lexie P., Teenpreneur, Author, & Founder of Curlanistas, started her hair journey much like all of us, unsure of what to do with her hair and how to love her curls. But through finding hair mentors, practicing all kinds of different styles, creating her own hair products and having the support of her family. Lexie has created a curl empire and she is just getting started! Learn more about this brand founder as she shares insight on how she got her start and where the Curlanista BO$$ Network is going next!
What has your natural hair journey been like? Most memorable moments? Most challenging moments?
It has been a real journey learning to love my natural hair. It was a struggle at first because I was bullied and teased about my hair when I was younger. My mom would make me wear my hair out natural and the kids would call me a bushy tree. I wanted my hair long and straight like the girls on TV. But now I love it, just the way it is. It’s like magic! I can blow my hair out and with rain or water it will curl up. I think in that way it’s really cool.
I also learned that like anything else when you show love, love will love you back. My mom hasn’t done my hair since I was 8, so I learned a lot from doing my own hair. The most memorable moment in my natural hair journey is the first time I styled my hair and wore it out to the mall. My older cousin who I really look up to and also has really curly hair came over and encouraged me to wear my hair out like her. I did and when we went out, I was really nervous, but that day I actually felt like a star, everyone complimented me on how pretty I was and how much they loved my hair. My family all said see we told you. Ever since then I’ve worn my hair out curly and wanted to help other girls to love their natural hair too.
The number one thing I learned is that my hair needs moisture. If I fail to moisturize my hair it will show and will start breaking off. I must say learning what works for my hair was the most challenging thing. I use my Curlanista Magic Detangler daily as a moisturizer and leave-in conditioner it keeps my curls happy and I love it. To achieve your BEST hair, you really have to love and care for your hair in order to get it healthy.
Lastly, a major challenge that I’ve also had to overcome was learning to turn off the negativity. No matter what you have to love yourself and own your look. I believe God made us all beautiful, you have to learn to love your beauty. Confidence is key!
Describe your natural hair in 3 words. . .
Big, Magical, Powerful
How would you define self-love and how has it played a role in your personal journey?
Self-love to me means loving the skin you’re in and being confident in who you are. I believe we all have a gift and purpose the world needs. Loving yourself doesn’t mean you think you’re the smartest, most talented, and most beautiful person in the world, but that you know you matter. Learning to love and value myself helped me create my brand and what I know to be my purpose. I believe my purpose is to spread the message of self-love around the world. I call myself a self-love advocate. If I help one girl learn to embrace her natural hair or find the courage to chase her dream, I know I did my job.
Image: Creative Soul Photography 
Tell us about Curlanistas hair care and why you decided to create this line…
I saw the need to share my personal lessons about learning to love myself and wanted to help other young girls. In my first book, Curly Girls Love Your Curls, I did just that. I shared a positive message about how loving your natural hair reinforces the importance of self-esteem. I was teased about my hair and I just wanted to help girls going through the same things. I wanted to make my hairline because with my books I taught girls how to love their hair now with Curlanistas I want to teach them how to care for it.
My products make caring for your natural hair easier. I would often get in trouble for making hair lotions which I was inspired to make from youtube and Instagram. My mom saw that I kept using her coconut oil and she said you really should make your own products. People would also always ask me what I used in my hair. I love playing around with ingredients to see how my hair reacts to them. I started sharing some of my concoctions with friends and wanted to just grow Curlanistas even more.
What are some key ingredients? What’s your go-to regimen?
Some of the key ingredients found in Curlanista hair care products include coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and my Curlanista Magic secret sauce.
My go-to regimen is to refresh my curls daily with a water bottle and my Curlanista Magic Detangler. My detangler is magic in a bottle! It is also a great leave-in conditioner, which helps to keep my curls soft all day long. I also love using my wide tooth comb to help me with styling my hair. Lately, since school has me busy, I’ve been doing a lot of ponytails and wash and go styles. With my wash and go I use my diffuser and Magic Curl Cream to help define my curls and keep them popp’n.
What made you want to be a mentor to other young women? Who are some mentors that have helped you along your journey?
I wanted to mentor other girls because I know in order to be successful it’s important to have a mentor. I know I would not be where I am without the help and guidance of my mentors. I also love helping other girls dream BIG. It’s really a passion of mine to see other girls WIN. My mentors are my mom, my grandmas, aunts, big cousins, and Ms. Sharon Page from The Harvey Foundation, and Ms. Rochelle from Alikay Naturals. I owe so much to these women for believing in me.
What do you want young girls to know about caring for their natural hair?
I want them to be patient and moisturize, moisturize and moisturize. Show your curls love by deep conditioning your hair at least once a week and don’t be afraid to have fun and try out new styles.
What is one of the top lessons you’ve learned as a young entrepreneur that has helped you be successful?
The biggest lesson I learned is to never give up. I faced rejection with an opportunity to be featured on a TV show and wanted to quit my business and just crawl under a rock. My mom wiped my tears and showed me many successful people who also faced rejection, but never gave up. We prayed together and I promised myself to never let rejection shut me down. No matter what obstacles you face just keep going. If I would have stopped two years ago when I faced that rejection I would not have launched my hairline or have experienced all the amazing things I have. I have worked with Instagram, flown around the US, been in Essence Magazine and so many amazing things. You can experience all you want in life if you decide to never give up.
This post is sponsored by ULTA Beauty.
Hey curly girls, whether we like or not, it’s time to say goodbye to the heat and humidity and hello to the crisp cool days of fall.
Now is the best time to revamp your hair care routine to keep locks looking fresh and fierce—and healthy!—through these cool temp changes. So, get ready to fill your Ulta Beauty cart with five amazing collections your tresses, after all, Ulta Beauty has everything you need to stay gorgeous all season long.
PATTERN
The hot, new collection from curl icon, Tracee Ellis Ross is here! Exclusively at Ulta Beauty, it celebrates all you curly, coily and tight textured lovelies. Everyday go-tos, like conditioners, serums, and shampoos, plus in-shower tools, all make their debut to help maximize your natural pattern. And they come in larger product sizes for us gals who need more than a quarter size of product. We might be in love!
TGIN
Thank God I’m Natural—YASSS! Shout it from the rooftops with this incredible collection that has all the stuff you want like rich coconut oil and shea butter and none of the stuff you don’t like parabens, sulfates, petrolatum, lanolin, artificial colors or animal testing. Our faves are the Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer and Curl Bomb;but trust us, you will want it all!
DEVACURL
Curl boosters? Check. Conditioning Mask? Check. Paraben, sulfate, and silicone free? Check. DevaCurl has it all for fall. From the new wash-day delayer, DevaFresh to Leave-in Decadence Conditioner to the Deep Sea Repair Mask to B’Leave Volumizer, this collection can take your look up a level without damaging hair in dry weather, plus find all the stylers and tools you need this season.
OUIDAD
Ditch dry crunchy curls with this tress-tastic collection designed to awaken and energize your strands this fall. With climate sensitive products that fight humidity and quench dehydrated hair, you will find your new regimen right here with Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel, Clear Control Pomade, Soufflé Setting Cream and so much more!
CURLSMITH
Go gourmet this season—yes, we’re still talking hair! Curlsmith blends curl-loving foods with organic ingredients for homemade remedies that really work. If you want to grow your hair, try the Full Lengths Density Elixir, simply style with their Balm or extend your look between washes with Moisture Memory Reactivator.
This post is sponsored by ULTA Beauty.
If you’re like us, Tracee Ellis Ross is one of your celeb hair icons. Her larger-than-life spirals light up the screen (and our Insta-feeds!”> and we have been coveting her signature style for years. Well our curly, coily and tight textured gals, she is sharing her style secrets by launching a new haircare collection you are about to go wild for!
Exclusively at Ulta Beauty, PATTERN is an affordable, yet effective, collection designed to help you maximize your natural pattern. And wait for it—they also come in larger bottles for those of us who are using more than a quarter size of product. Amazing, right?
We were so excited, we couldn’t wait to try it out, so NaturallyCurly Managing Editor Alexandra Wilson put these products to the test—and we are thrilled to say they totally live up to the hype!
Here is what she had to say.
I’ve been so anxious to try the PATTERN collection by Tracee Ellis Ross since she shared a sneak peek wash day experience debuting her line during NYFW. Like most of us with textured hair, I have various textures on my head from 3b – 4a, but mainly 3c with medium porosity. My top two hair goals are moisture and definition, so that’s what I was aiming for with this new collection. To get started, I first used the Hydrating Shampoo which had a nice lather and gave me a squeaky-clean wash without leaving my hair feeling stripped, plus it surprisingly had good slippage to easily massage my scalp and finger detangle my hair. Next, I rinsed my hair and applied the Medium Conditioner, which was very thick and creamy and left my hair feeling so soft and moisturized. I also noticed my curl definition immediately began to form and the conditioner melted away any tangles and made the detangling process smooth and easy. Once I rinsed my hair and squeezed out any excess water then I raked through the Leave-in Conditioner which gave my curls some added moisture and definition.
To achieve defined curls, I used my wet brush to clump my curls while my hair was wet. Last but certainly not least, I sealed my ends with a few squirts of Argan Oil to lock in the moisture. Since the weather is changing and cooler air is slowly coming, adding oil to seal my hair is key. I appreciated how PATTERN created two oils, Argan and Jojoba oil, to complete the collection. Since I do have some drier areas around my hairline, I decided to cocktail the Argan Oil and Leave-in Conditioner and worked that product onto my hair, especially on those drier sections. For extra definition and to blend in where my hair has different textures, I finger coiled the front section then let my hair air dry. Once my hair was fully dry, I picked the roots and fluffed my curls for maximum volume. I was amazed by the shiny, soft, defined ringlets that appeared, I would definitely call that a successful wash day.
Now, let’s talk ingredients.
PATTERN Beauty is a water-based hair care line for curly and coily hair formulated with luscious oils and nurturing ingredients like Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, and Tea tree oil. The collection is free of harsh and harmful ingredients including Paraben-free, color-safe, Phthalate-free, Formaldehyde-free and free of Cyclic Silicones. And if that isn’t amazing enough, the PATTERN team continues to improve their formulas to meet the needs of all textures, pretty great, right?
After using the products, I was without a doubt blown away by my final results. My curls were bouncy, shiny and defined and lived up to the hype. From the sleek and bold aesthetic to the beautiful and authentic storytelling empowering us to embrace our true patterns, I’m beyond excited to see what else Tracee Ellis Ross and her team create in the future for curly women (and men”> to feel seen and celebrated.
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Different! I have two elder sisters and a younger brother, and all of them have straight hair. My mom and dad as well have straight hair. I was the only one with curly hair in my entire family and extended family. While growing up I didn’t like my hair at all as it made me different and unique, and not in a good way. I could never do my hair growing up, and thought my hair wasn’t good at all. I always wished to have straight hair back then and prayed that somehow it would go straight.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
As years passed, I started realizing that curly hair is not a curse, but a blessing. A blessing that only I had out of almost all of the people I knew. I started finding out ways to manage my curls. I searched for products that are meant for curly hair. They help me love my curls more than ever.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The start of my CG journey. It’s like this whole new world that I was unaware of has opened up to me. A world I never knew existed. Love every bit of it since then!
How do you protect your curls at night?
I tie my hair in a pineapple and I use silk pillowcase to sleep on.
Who is your curl crush?
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Leave in conditioner and scalp massage oil. These have been absolute essentials for me.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
The hair regimen I follow is as follows:
I pre poo before every hair wash. I wash my hair twice a week, then I oil them twice. I use a CG friendly shampoo and conditioner. I deep condition once every week, and use hot head cap for DC. Post-wash I apply leave-in on dripping wet hair and scrunch. I then follow it up with a gel.
A product I would recommend is Only Curls London cream and gel, Curl Keeper gel, DevaCurl Super Cream and their Arc Angel gel. These are my absolute favorite.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Adapting to the CG method. It was like unlearning everything I knew about hair care and starting a new regimen.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
The pulsing technique has been a game changer for my curls. They have never been so hydrated and shinier ever.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Stop hating your hair. It is the best thing you could ever ask for. Love your hair and it will love you back!
Image: @naturally_charlette
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up in Jamaica as a little girl I thought my hair made me stand out from the rest. I got a lot of attention because of my hair. Everyone nicknamed me Goldie, Goldilocks or Reds because of my skin tone. Jamaicans all have a nickname. My hair was a golden brown because of the sun but I was born with a blonde tone to my hair. When I arrived in the U.K. age 8 I never thought anything about my hair other than it took my mum ages to do. At age 10, mum decided to relax my hair because she thought it would be easier for me to handle. I remained with relaxed hair until 2018.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I had long thick relaxed hair so it wasn’t about me not liking my hair. At first, the choice to return to my natural hair was mainly because I was tired of relaxers and how it made my scalp feel. After returning from Jamaica at the end of 2017 I had twists in my hair and I just felt really connected being back home. I started feeling like I needed to embrace who I was. I didn’t know what my hair natural would look like, of course, I remember my hair being really thick, crying when mum did it on the weekends and her telling me to ‘fix mi head’ as the parting was never straight. Going natural would be on my terms and I can’t get angry at myself surely was my thoughts. I decided to research my options on how to go natural without cutting my hair.
Image: @naturally_charlette
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I had two empowering moments in my journey. The first empowering moment was when I made the decision to transition to natural hair. At first, I wish I never made that decision and felt like I should have big chopped because I didn’t have a good time figuring out the two textures. Transitioning taught me to be gentle and to be patient when doing my hair as it was brittle with two different distinctive textures. My second empowering moment was letting going of the relaxed ends I only transitioned for 11 months but I felt I was getting frustrated I straightened my hair numerous times with direct heat and I felt I couldn’t really embrace my new texture as it was a fight to make it look good. When I big chopped, I felt free for the first time in decades like this is naturally me.
How do you protect your curls at night?
At night I sleep on a satin pillowcase and with my bonnet on. Having my hair covered at night wasn’t my norm when I had relaxed hair so it took some getting used to and even now and especially in the summer months I have slept without a bonnet and without the satin pillowcase. I know my hair and know what it can handle and though I am natural I don’t want my hair to be a consuming factor of my life.
Image: @naturally_charlette
Who is your curl crush?
I have many curl crushes with various texture types. This is because at the start of my journey I really didn’t know what my curls will look like and what textures I would have. My hair resembles various textures as different parts of my head had various curl pattern but ultimately it looks like 4a curl type. My curl crushes are @napturals85. She taught me the importance of good products and DIY. My first curl crush had to be myself (@naturally_charlette“> because especially at the start you have to champion yourself. When you can’t really see your curl type it’s so short I had to be confident in myself first before embracing others. I think everyone should be their own curl crush accepting yourself fully starts with self-love!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Everything I use on my wash day is my essential because it’s what’s made my wash day easiest and as I don’t manipulate my hair between one wash day and the next my hair has to come out perfect every wash day. It starts with the perfect detangling took which for me is the perfect wide-tooth comb. The one I have is perfect. It’s like a silicone one I got on amazon. My mum brought me and my sisters this comb and we all fought on wash days on who could use it and we couldn’t detangle without it. Something about how this comb is made it doesn’t melt against heat if you every blow-dry your hair.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My current regimen is I wash my hair weekly. I mainly use the Shea Moisture line to wash my hair. Everything from them works, but I love them because it was the most affordable good brand product I tried and my hair loved. The entire Manuka honey and Marula oil range is amazing and the deep conditioner is a staple! I also like the Jamaican and black castor oil shampoo from them and will mix and match. I also love their high porosity deep conditioner! I currently condition with DevaCurl decadence conditioner the slip is amazing I don’t know what I’m going to do when I run out as my sister brought it over from her trip to the states. Styling I always use Camille Rose Naturals! The products are a good price and work every time. Wash and go I use the moisture milk and the curl maker. I always apply the growth serum to my roots! Everything they make is amazing!
Image: @naturally_charlette
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging part of my journey was the transitioning phase. For anyone doing that method just accept you will look a bit crazy. I had my hair in a bun the whole time and I styled when wet to make it easier. Every time I needed to wash my hair it was torture. Then “the real short afro” was another challenging moment. Never has there been a time that I had short hair and here I was with a short curly afro that I couldn’t pin back. It looked dry, my curls were matted down every morning and I didn’t know how to revive my curls. I didn’t know what to do and it showed. My mum said to me “I like your hair better relaxed”. Someone at work asked if I’m wearing a wig, another guy said “nice hat” and laughed in my face because it was dry and stiff and admittedly unkept. But I learned to just figure it out.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
I think good products are key to impact your heart health. Like I said Camille Rose Naturals, Shea Moisture, DevaCurl are amazing. Other amazing brands are Mielle Organics. Their Rosemary line is my holy grail. The Growth Serum drops are a miracle in a bottle. The rosemary deep conditioner is a staple so much so I literally use it on my hair as a treat as I don’t want to run out too quickly.
I also have enjoyed using co-wash to refresh my hair if I don’t want to do a full wash day. Nothing beats the DevaCurl No-Poo and the As I Am Cowash. my hair likes the growth luxe range. I don’t manipulate my hair between wash days. I tend to do a wash and go, puffs, buns or mini twists. The least amount of manipulation hairstyles and also some of those are protective to your hair ends which is the most fragile part of your hair.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Why does our hair hold so much value in how we feel about ourselves? I have looked like someone dragged me through the bushes and I still smile and think I’m so happy because it’s me. I’m not altering me to please others. I remember when I was going natural I thought “ok I’m resigning to the fact I’m going to be alone.” I honestly thought I will be single until I figured my hair out. Yet I was still single and having fun with my relaxed hair and actually I was confident thinking I had my picking of guys and you know I thought that was because I had “good hair”. Shamefully and honestly some part of me got a boost from people assuming I was mixed. Like being mistaken as mixed made me desirable yet it’s my blackness and every feature I got from my ancestors that made me beautiful. That includes my thick hair. Look in the mirror and love yourself!
This post is sponsored by Tangle Teezer.
Alexis Belon’s long, luscious corkscrews are one of her biggest assets – show-stopping locks that make us swoon. But those curls have a way of magically and mysteriously twisting into tangles.
“Sometimes there’s honestly no rhyme or reason as to why my hair gets tangled,” says Belon. “It’s just the nature of the beast – that’s literally my pet name for my mane. That movement throughout the day will cause some tangles.
Belon is a New York-based writer, visual artist and lifestyle influencer with a YouTube web series that chronicles her journey, “Infinity and Belon”. When she’s not talking culture, she’s giving her take on beauty, fashion or giving a peek inside her fabulous life.
Belon is not alone when it comes to tangles. They are one of the most common issues for curly girls because the cuticle is rougher and the hair tends to be drier.
Detangling curly hair is a crucial step in any curly hair care regimen. The frequency of how often you should detangle your curls varies depending on your hair’s texture and length. A good rule of thumb is to detangle your hair on wash days, whether that is once a week or every other day.
Belon shared tips and tools that make detangling a breeze for her:
- DO detangle when your hair is soaking wet: Although some say you shouldn’t detangle your hair when it’s wet because it’s more fragile, I find that with The Large Ultimate Detangler by Tangle Teezer and the right conditioner, I am able to detangle in the shower, easily and painlessly.
- DO apply a conditioner or detangling spray before detangling: Wet hair strands are weaker and, if manipulated improperly, can run the risk of more damage. Conditioner adds slip and moisture, which makes the detangling process easier.
- DO use a well-designed detangling hairbrush: If you have long hair which tangles easily, you need to have a gentle hairbrush which is specially designed for your hair. Belon’s personal favorite is The Large Ultimate Detangler. With its larger size and its long, strong, patented, two-tiered teeth, the hairbrush helps effortlessly and quickly detangle long wavy and curly hair with no pulling, yanking or tugging and reduces precious minutes off the detangling time. (Tip: Make sure you clean your hairbrush regularly to remove buildup from conditioners and styling products”>.
- DO detangle in sections: “I go through my hair section by section with the Tangle Teezer hairbrush” Belon says. If you attempt to detangle your entire mane all at once, you’ll get frustrated. And using Tangle Teezer’s The Large Ultimate Detangler also saves me time as it covers a larger brushing surface.”
- DO detangle from the ends to the roots: “Gripping the root of each section as I brush through is imperative!: she says.
- DO take your time: Have patience when you’re detangling your hair. Never yank or rip through your strands. If you go too fast or you use too much tension, it causes breakage – not to mention pain. Feel free to add more conditioner if you’re dealing with an extra pesky knot.
Belon has access to the best beauty products available, and Tangle Teezer is considered the gold standard in the world of detangling. The company first took the industry by storm with its iconic palm-shaped hairbrushes.
Customers like Belon with longer, thicker curls need to cover more surface when detangling their hair. That’s why Tangle Teezer created The Large Ultimate Detangler, now available in Lilac & Purple exclusively at ULTA. The new lightweight Tangle Teezer Large Ultimate Detangler hairbrush is 20 percent larger than the current Ultimate Detangler, making it perfect for brushing thicker, curlier, textured, longer hair. The Large Ultimate Detangler has 108 additional teeth versus the current Ultimate Detangler who has 325 unique teeth that flex over tangles and knots with every stroke for even the thickest, curliest heads of hair.
Belon’s Large Ultimate Detangler now is an indispensable part of her regimen.
“The best part about The Large Ultimate Detangler is that compared to other hairbrushes, there is less breakage, leaving hair healthier-looking,” says Belon. “The bristles are longer and stronger than most other hairbrushes, and it was obvious that it was made with textured hair in mind. And that’s something I really appreciate.”
This post is sponsored by Palmer’s.
Everyone knows NaturallyCurly Managing Editor Alexandra Wilson loves to switch things up. One day, she might go for a Wash n’ Go. The next, she might go for finger coils. Or she might want to freshen up her ringlets throughout the day.
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula haircare regimen gives her the versatility she needs to have plenty of styling options while keeping her 3c curls hydrated and healthy. Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula contains ethically and sustainably sourced coconut oil and Tahitian monoï, infused with tiaré flower petals. These raw, natural ingredients deeply hydrate, help repair damage, and give hair incredible shine.
Keep reading to find out how you can WIN a prize from the Palmer’s Coconut Oil collecton.
Here are Alexandra’s tips for the perfect Wash & Go:
- She starts by cleansing her curls with Palmer’s Coconut Formula Conditioning Shampoo, a luxurious sulfate-free cleanser that cleans without stripping her hair.
- Afterward, she applies the Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Deep Conditioning Protein Pack, distributing it through her hair with her fingers. She clips it up and wraps it with a microfiber towel for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it out. These raw, natural ingredients deeply hydrate, repair damage, and give hair incredible shine. Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Oil Deep Conditioning Protein Pack is a moisture-intensive treatment that helps strengthen and repair weak, fragile, or damaged hair.
- For maximum hydration, Alex primes her hair with Coconut Oil Formula Leave-In Conditioner, combing it through her hair with a wide-tooth comb. The conditioner contains emollients to fortify hair, control frizz, reduce split-ends, and give hair healthy-looking shine.
- To encourage definition and volume, she shakes her curls with her hands.
- Alex usually loves to air dry her curls. But on cold days or when she’s in a hurry, she diffuses it until it’s almost dry.
- The final touch is Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Shine Serum Hair Polisher She applies a small amount into palms and smoothes through damp or dry hair, distributing evenly. The Hair Polisher combines a shine-enhancing blend of pure coconut oil and marula oil for non-greasy, polished perfection.
- She picks it out for added volume.
- Alexandra has a busy lifestyle. She’s a fashionista, fitness fanatic, and social butterfly. So she doesn’t have time to wash her hair every day. For 2nd Day Hair, she spritzes in Palmer’s Coconut Oil Curl & Scalp Refresher to revitalize her curls and refresh her scalp.
Some days, when Alexandra has a little more time and wants more definition and fullness, she opts for Finger Coils. Finger coils are a great styling option for curly girls that can last for up to two weeks.
Here is her failproof Finger Coil routine:
- She starts by cleansing and conditioning her curls.
- Then, Alexandra sections out her hair. She rubs a dab of Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Curl Condition Hair Pudding between her fingers, creating the coil from the root by twirling her hair around her pointer finger until she reaches her ends. Coconut oil curl styler cream pudding instantly boosts hydration and adds shine transforming dry, frizzy hair into bouncy, defined curls
- She repeats this technique until her entire head is coiled. (for best results, make sure your sections are uniform in size”>.
- She dries her hair with a diffuser.
- To add shine and moisture, Alexandra rubs some Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Shine Serum Hair Polisher between her fingers, retwisting the coils.
- The final and most important step is to pick and fluff her hair.
With her Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula collection, Alexandra has the versatility to change up her look as often as she likes.
The affordable Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Hair Collection is available at Walmart, Target and Amazon.
* Enter the Giveaway: If you’d like to try the Coconut Oil Formula collection from Palmer’s , comment below and tell us your top hair concerns and why you should win! We’ll be choosing 3 lucky winners. The giveaway ends on Sunday, December 8, 2019. Good luck! *
Image: Bomba Curls
Founded by Lulu, Bomba Curls was created to showcase your authentic self, while also creating knockout products for beautiful curls! Lulu infused her own history and culture into every blend, and with her formulations shared the secrets of the Dominican Republic while using organic and super pure ingredients. To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we had the opportunity to sit down with Lulu and chat about all things culture, pajon, and embracing the liberation that comes with accepting yourself fully!
Tell us about growing up a Dominican curly girl… What were your biggest hair challenges?
In Dominican culture, the beauty ideal is long, sleek straight hair. For generations, straight hair was the definitive element of our society’s perception of femininity and to this day, natural, curly hair is often stigmatized and referred to as “pelo malo” aka bad hair. Back in 2004, I decided to live a greener lifestyle and going natural was part of that journey. In choosing to “go green” and embrace my “pajon” (curly, kinky hair”> I faced my greatest challenges. Although my mom encouraged me and suggested protective hairstyles could help me along with the transition, that was about where my family support stopped. Everyone else in my family – and what felt like my entire community – would give me disapproving looks when I’d enter a room. Strangers would kindly offer suggestions on things I could do to “fix” my hair- the keratin straightening treatment was a common suggestion. I did not realize just how offensive my curly hair could be. Ultimately, my wellness outweighed society’s need to box me and my hair in. Being relaxer-free and liberated never felt so good!
Did you always embrace your natural curls? If not, what was that moment like when you decided to embrace your curls?
Honestly, I never really had the chance to develop much of a relationship with my natural hair because I got my first relaxer at the age of nine. Prior to that, the care of my hair was left to the hands of the adult women in my family. I stopped relaxing my hair way back in 2004, the early years of the natural hair movement. As my natural curls came in, it was like this exciting new discovery for me. I would play with the new growth at my roots and imagine what my curls might look like. After I completely grew out the relaxer, my curls and I were left to figure our new relationship out. Some days we were frenemies, some days we were crazy in love, but always gaining a deeper appreciation for one another.
Image: Bomba Curls
Tell us about Bomba Curls and what made you decide to create this company? What makes it unique?
Bomba Curls is a celebration of YOU! All too often we are told that natural hair is unprofessional, unacceptable and there’s a societal expectation that it be “put away”. I created Bomba Curlsto help curlistas everywhere break out of the box and embrace every bit of who they are. Our curls are not some shrinking violet! They have bounce, volume and turn heads. I created my formulas following methods used for generations in the Dominican Republic to stimulate growth and achieve length in relaxed hair and tailored them to meet the needs of curls. I’d tried so many products but could never find something that ticked off all of the right boxes so I got fed up and started making my own Dominican inspired curly cocktails. It’s taboo to share our methods with anyone who is “off-island” and I am the first to pull back the curtain and truly share our secrets via my formulations.
What are the biggest misconceptions when it comes to using oils?
That they’ll cause greasy scalp and hair. Oils are what I like to call the “swiss army knife” of your hair and beauty regimen. They are excellent at balancing the sebum levels of your scalp, will help seal in moisture for hair and yes-as counterintuitive as this may sound- they can help you achieve smooth, clear skin (oils are a favorite skincare item of mine”>. The correct oils used in the correct ratios can deliver some pretty incredible results. It’s all about using them properly. I specifically formulated my oil to be non-greasy, ultra-moisturizing and most importantly effective for achieving beautiful, healthy, lengthy curls.
Image: Bomba Curls
Tell us more about The Forbidden Oil and the proper ways to use it…
There are so many! The Forbidden Oil is so versatile… my life would be so sad without it! When my curls need some extra hydration I like to use it for hot oil treatments or pre-poo. I simply mist my hair, apply the oil, and let it get to work. I love scalp massages and the Forbidden Oil takes them to the next level because it contains coffee seed oil. Coffee is a potent stimulant that is used back home to promote growth. I apply it religiously on my edges, you can also mix it in with your conditioner to give it a boost. You can even use it on your body to help smooth out and hydrate your skin-be prepared to be showered with compliments on how good you smell too. I sourced the purest and best ingredients, which is a major reason why my oil delivers on so many levels.
What key ingredients are found in Forbidden Oil?
Coffee, of course! As I mentioned before, coffee is king in the Forbidden Oil. Caffeine acts as nature’s own wake-up call to your follicles, the perfect dose of caffeine promotes faster hair growth while instantly penetrating follicles to make hair smoother and shinier. I wanted to make the oil a knockout growth blend so I had to include black cumin seed oil. Black Cumin Seed Oil has powerful medicinal properties and is rich in antihistamines, which are commonly prescribed to treat hair loss and alopecia. Rosemary extract is a super antioxidant that not only promotes growth but is an awesome anti-inflammatory, antifungal ingredient for optimal scalp health. Then there’s everyone’s favorite…castor oil! Castor oil is a rich, thick, fatty-acid filled oil that nourishes your roots and really helps seal moisture into your hair.
What can we expect from Bomba Curls in the future?
We will be releasing our new Deep Treatment Mask very soon. The treatment mask is spectacular. That’s the only word that can most accurately describe just how good this mask is. The entire line is specifically formulated to promote growth because I feel that consistency is key, and I wanted my customers to consistently reap the benefits to achieve results. We’ll gradually be releasing new products, including styling products that really answer to the needs of our customers. Everyone knows I love my customers and I make it a point to provide them with options that are safe, effective and make it easy to embrace your natural curls…all while working to broaden the spectrum of beauty!
