Search Results: NaturallyCurly
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
It was always hard for me to style my hair. I struggled with maintaining a healthy luster and shine because it was very dry. I didn’t have much variety; it was always in a bun or ponytail. I often flat-ironed and pressed my hair, which caused major heat damage. This made me even more insecure about wearing my natural curls.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I was introduced to the natural hair journey through social media and I was inspired to start learning more about curly hair. I made it my mission to learn how to rock my curls because I knew their potential and I wanted to be more proud of my roots. I was tired of the damage and breakage from heat and coloring.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moment for me was when I did the big chop. I had wanted to do it for so long. I was finally courageous enough and I knew it would be more beneficial in the long run. The results were great; short hair was so fun and something ne. My curls were more defined. It was very liberating and rewarding.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I put lots of castor oil all throughout my hair and I recently have begun braiding it as well and sleeping on a satin pillow or with a bonnet.
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crushes are @naturallyendia and @jewjewbee I absolute adore their hair pages.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I cannot live without my Cantu Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream and my Eco Styler Professional Styling Gel with Argan Oil.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I do a lot of wash and go’s on my hair, so my hair regimen begins with me applying water, then Cantu Argan Oil Leave-in, then castor oil or argan oil all over each strand from root to end, then I add Cantu’s Curling Creme for max definition and then I top it all off with Eco Styler Gel to my edges and at the top of my hair, starting from my roots, in order to secure loose strands and eliminate frizz.
Image:@itsbethanydani
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moments for me were discovering I needed a regimen and learning how to prevent breakage.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Moisturizing! I cannot stress it enough. I think I had gotten used to my hair being dry so I didn’t try to do much to it. Then it started breaking off and I realized it was necessary for me to oil and deep condition it as much as possible. I oil my hair every night and I deep condition once a week.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
I recommend to be patient, and to try to find a curly hair inspo on social media that will give you faith and also show you how to maintain your hair. The big chop is scary, but for so many, it has been worth it. Sometimes you just need the chance to start over. I would also recommend finding what works for your hair and not being afraid to try new things. Just because it works for them doesn’t mean it will work for you. Don’t lose faith just because it can get difficult, but understand it is possible for your hair to live up to its very potential.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
I use tons of conditioner and moisturizing products with ingredients like shea butter to seal so my hair isn’t dry. That way, it doesn’t need to reach up to the air for moisture and frizz.
My name is Raquel, but my nickname is Rocky, and my channel on YouTube is RockynCurls. I live near Nashville, TN, and I am a medical laboratory scientist. I perform blood work and molecular infectious disease testing at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
My hair type: wavy-curly (type 2c/3a”>, high porosity
I never knew my hair was curly. It turned poofy and wavy when I was a pre-teen; my mom would brush and blow-dry it till it became frizzy and straight. I met a Panamanian lady who taught me it was wavy and curly, and how to use mousse and spray gel. I liked my hair much better, but not how the products made my hair feel sticky, and I had that “wet gelled down” look. I could not wait to wash them out. When I finally figured out how to flat iron it, I enjoyed that; but it always took over an hour to do, so I always had it in a bun.
One day, I styled it with mousse.
Then I went to the zoo with some friends, and after hitting the humidity, my hair no longer looked nice. It looked like a frizzy mess. Everyone else looked nice, but my hair looked terrible, even though it was fine when I had first left home.
I thought, you know what, I have read books on how to do lots of things, but never one about how to care for wavy and curly hair. It takes up so much time in my life styling it straight. I think I should research how to take care of it curly!
I went on Amazon and found Curly Girl: The Handbook by Lorraine Massey. I was so excited after seeing the five star reviews, I could not wait for the book to come! As soon as it did, I downloaded it onto my kindle app on my iPhone to read the whole thing right away. All the stories and problems in the book felt like they were my story. It took me several weeks to transition, and my hair was very oily and frizzy at first, but it started looking better. Slowly, my oily scalp calmed down; and I have never looked back.
My biggest hair issue: frizz
I use tons of conditioner. I also use moisturizing products with moisturizing oils in the ingredients, like shea butter, to seal so my hair isn’t dry. That way, it doesn’t need to reach up to the air for moisture and frizz. I use hard hold gel to keep the frizz at bay and help hold up my waves. I can use conditioner only, or leave-in and gel, and get good results. However, for the best results, I do the LCEG method from spring to fall, which is:
- L- Leave-in conditioner
- C- Cream
- E- Enhancing gel
- G- Hard hold gel
In the winter, I do the LOCG Method:
- L- Leave-in
- O- Oil
- C- Cream
- G- Hard hold gel
My hair is also curly, so I need the extra moisture from cream and leave-in. I cowash with silicone-free conditioner, or use sulfate-free shampoo, and then I condition with silicone-free conditioner. I rinse it off of the scalp (or else it gets oily and flat”>, but leave the rest in the length of my hair. I flip my head down, and re-apply conditioner as my leave-in with my ears down, and squish to condish with water in the shower until the curls are clumped nicely.
Sometimes, I apply more leave-in after getting out of the shower, and this is my leave-in step. I then use a cream, curl enhancing gel, then a hard hold gel. Next, I scrunch out the water with a microfiber towel, plop, then clip and diffuse, or sit in my hooded dryer. I also pineapple in my hooded dryer for extra volume.
Products/methods that have helped me embrace my texture
I have porous, coarse hair, so SheaMoisture Curl and Style Milk is my favorite leave in conditioner. SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie is my favorite curl cream. Kinky Curly Curling Custard is my favorite curl enhancing gel, and LA Looks Extreme Spikes is my favorite hard hold gel. I love these so much! I use them for the LCEG method and always get good results. I can get away with a lot of different conditioners and co-washes, but I mostly love SheaMoisture. I love DevaCurl B’Leave-in and DevaCurl Supercream Coconut Styler as well. I do not use any more sulfates, silicones and drying alcohols, as recommended in the Curly Girl Method.
Since practicing The CG Method…
It is curlier, less frizzy, shinier, softer, healthier, more manageable, less oily, less tangled and easier to deal with. I only have to wash it every two to four days. Before my hair was so frizzy, and I had a very oily scalp. I had to wash my hair up to twice a day because it was so oily. Once I stopped the sulfates, it became less oily.
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/embed/4V2NtyZ-hywFollow me on Instagram (@rockyncurls“> and subscribe to my channel on YouTube (@RockynCurls“> for more wavy-curly tips and product recommendations.
Have any tips to share that you know of or personally use to avoid the ‘wet gelled down’ look? Share them with us in the comments below!
This article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated for clarity.
My name is Raquel, but my nickname is Rocky, and my channel on YouTube is RockynCurls. I live near Nashville, TN, and I am a medical laboratory scientist. I perform blood work and molecular infectious disease testing at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
My hair type: wavy-curly (type 2c/3a”>, high porosity
I never knew my hair was curly. It turned poofy and wavy when I was a pre-teen; my mom would brush and blow-dry it till it became frizzy and straight. I met a Panamanian woman who taught me it was wavy and curly and how to use mousse and spray gel. I liked my hair much better, but I didn’t like how the products made my hair feel sticky, and how I had that “wet gelled down” look. I could not wait to wash them out. When I finally figured out how to flat iron it, I enjoyed that; but it always took over an hour to do, so I always had it in a bun.
One day, I styled it with mousse.
Then I went to the zoo with some friends, and after hitting the humidity, my hair no longer looked nice. It looked like a frizzy mess. Everyone else looked nice, but my hair looked terrible, even though I thought it had looked nice when I left home.
I thought, you know what, I have read books on how to do lots of things, but never one about how to care for wavy and curly hair. It takes up so much time in my life styling it straight. I think I should research how to take care of it curly!
I went on Amazon and foundCurly Girl: The Handbook by Lorraine Massey. I was so excited after seeing the five-star reviews, I could not wait for the book to come, and downloaded it onto my Kindle app on my iPhone to read the whole thing right away. All the stories and problems in the book felt like she was writing about my story, and to me personally. It took me several weeks to transition, and my hair was very oily and frizzy at first, but it started looking better. Slowly, my oily scalp calmed down; and I have never looked back.
My biggest hair issue: frizz
I use tons of conditioner. I also use moisturizing products with moisturizing oils in the ingredients, like shea butter to seal so my hair isn’t dry. That way, it doesn’t need to reach up to the air for moisture and frizz. I use hard-hold gel to keep the frizz at bay and help hold up my waves. I can use conditioner only, or leave-in and gel, and get good results. However, for the best results, I do the LCEG method from spring to fall, which is:
L- Leave-in conditioner
C- Cream
E- Enhancing gel
G- hard hold gel
In the winter, I do the LOCG Method:
L- Leave-in
O- Oil
C- Cream
G- Hard hold gel
My hair is also curly, so I need the extra moisture from cream and leave-in. I cowash with silicone-free conditioner or use sulfate-free shampoo and then I condition with silicone free-conditioner. I rinse it off of the scalp (or it is oily and flat”> but leave the rest in the length of my hair. I flip my head down and re-apply conditioner as my leave-in and squish to condish with water in the shower until the curls are clumped nicely.
Sometimes I apply more leave-in after getting out of the shower, and this is my leave-in step. I then use a cream, curl enhancing gel, then a hard hold gel. I scrunch out water with a microfiber towel, plop, then clip and diffuse, or sit under my hooded dryer. I also pineapple in my hooded dryer for extra volume. I have a video on that as well.
Products/methods that have helped me embrace my texture
I have porous, coarse hair, so SheaMoisture Curl and Style Milk is my favorite leave-in conditioner. SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie is my favorite curl cream. Kinky Curly Curling Custard is my favorite curl enhancing gel and LA Looks Extreme Spikes is my favorite hard hold gel. I love these so much! I use them for the LCEG method and always get good results. I can get away with a lot of different conditioners and co-washes, but I mostly love SheaMoisture. I love DevaCurl B’Leave-in and DevaCurl Supercream Coconut Styler as well. I do not use any more sulfates, silicones, or drying alcohols as recommended in Curly Girl Method.
Since practicing The CG Method…
My hair is curlier, less frizzy, shinier, softer, healthier, more manageable, less oily, less tangled and easier to deal with. I only have to wash it every two to four days. Before, my hair was so frizzy, and I had a very oily scalp. I had to wash my hair up to twice a day because it was so oily. Once I stopped the sulfates, it became less oily.
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/embed/4V2NtyZ-hywFollow me on Instagram (@rockyncurls“> and subscribe to my channel on YouTube (@RockynCurls“> for more wavy-curly tips and product recommendations.
Have any tips to share that you know of or personally use to avoid the ‘wet gelled down’ look? Share them with us in the comments below!
Image: @aseamae
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up, my hair was always referred to as nappy. When I was 4, I got my first relaxer. My earliest memories of getting my hair done are of hot combs and the ”Just for Me” box. I never really knew much about my hair texture. I just came to understand that it was unacceptable.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?
Initially I didn’t like my texture because it looked nothing like my favorite natural hair gurus. I did all the natural hair treatments (cherry lola treatments, coconut oil relaxer, and henna”> to try to loosen my curl pattern and get my hair to “hang”. It took time for me to fall in love with my texture and fully embrace the way it looks, but it all began with me learning the unique things I can do with my texture. At the time, I stopped trying to recreate styles from women with looser curl patterns than I have, and I found inspiration from women who had hair like mine. It really helped me to see the beauty in my hair texture and to stop envying the curl patterns that I do not have.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The hardest times have been when my hair was in need of protein. Before I knew how to recognize it, I would be really frustrated with the fact that my hair is acting differently and that I wasn’t retaining length. I would end up having to cut 3-4 inches off of my hair simply because of the damage that occurred from me not balancing my hair with moisture and protein.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I sleep on a satin pillowcase or use a satin bonnet.
Who is your curl crush?
I get inspired by a lot of natural hair queens, but Safiya Aisha really helped me to learn to love my natural hair texture. A few of my current faves are @IKnowLee, @Hazel_Goddesss, @SashaBasha2, and @JascoloredCurls.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Recently, my microwavable heat cap for deep conditioning. It’s been a lifesaver in the times I don’t feel like hooking up my steamer.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My current regimen is shampoo, deep condition with indirect heat or steam, leave-in conditioner, styler/gel, and then an oil. Recently I have been loving the Jane Carter Curls To Go line and the As I Am Dry and Itchy Scalp Cowash. Texture ID is also a favorite. I love their deep conditioner and it’s a really affordable brand.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
My most recent cut and color have been one of the most empowering experiences in my journey thus far. I decided to cut and color my hair for the first time to have fun and experience the freedom of being creative with my look. I was very caught up in having long hair and I believed that my influence, beauty, and value was solely rooted in the length of my hair. I was afraid to color my hair because I felt like I would lose value. Letting go of that ideology and realizing that I am more than just hair has been the most freeing and it also helped me to fall in love with the uniqueness of who I am in a whole new way.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Yes! Smoothing my hair has made a huge difference. I make sure to wash my hair in sections and smooth every product into my hair beginning with my wash routine. I utilize smoothing techniques to gently remove shed hair and also to assist the water in softening my hair. It has drastically impacted the amount of hair I lose on wash day and has also really helped my hair to be prepared for styling. I find handling my hair in sections to be the most effective for making sure it’s fully de-tangled and that every strand is moisturized.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
There is so much beauty in your unique texture. Though the hair typing system is available to help direct us as naturals to products that can benefit our hair growth, it is not the only factor to consider for healthy hair growth. Focus on learning your hair’s porosity level and density so that you can find products, routines, and healthy hair practices that promote optimum health for your hair. Healthy hair is good hair and as you begin to embrace your texture and accept it for it as it is, you can then nurture it according to its unique needs and achieve healthy hair that you love and rock confidently. Your hair is your canvas and no matter the texture there is so much versatility in natural hair.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image: @indiabatson
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up, I straightened my hair daily because all the girls who looked like me had straight hair and what little girl doesn’t simply want to fit in?
What made you decide to embrace your naturally wavy hair?
I grew tired of straightening my hair. I had damaged it enough and was over it. I began doing research on the curly girl method and decided to drop sulfates and put my straightener down for good!
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I will never forget one day in middle school, I didn’t have time to straighten my hair and just rolled out of bed in a panic. My middle school teacher told me, “I like your hair better when you don’t straighten it.” It changed my perspective completely forever.
How do you protect your curls at night?
Pineapple
Who is your curl crush?
Spisha and Bianca Renee. I’m lucky enough to call them friends and talk on the phone with them way too much.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Scrunchie
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I’m obsessed with Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk line, honestly. It’s Curly Girl Method approved and it’s affordable… GAME CHANGER. I love DevaCurl’s Melt into Moisture Mask, SheaMoisture’s Manuka Honey and Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein Power Treatment is PERFECTION for after I highlight my hair to get my bounce back. Recently, I’m loving Prose shampoo and Amika’s curl corps gel, especially since they’re both sulfate & silicone free.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Having people tell me I don’t belong in the curly world, but I also don’t belong in the straight hair world, and this has left me feeling out of place as a wavy-hair girl. I hope one day the curly hair community will be more wavy-haired and welcoming of wavy haired men and women. Representation is something I’ve learned this past year is extremely important. In the curly world predominantly 3b/3c curls are shown the most, because they are the “most desired”. I’m ready to see an ad with 2a, 3b, and 4c women next to each other looking fabulous!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
I am the most chill “hair influencer” out there!! I put my product in and run out the door. I embrace the frizz and work with what I’ve got.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
If you stop straightening your hair you can get back an hour of your day to eat pizza, watch Netflix or even watch my YouTube videos… if that isn’t encouraging I don’t know what is!?! No, but in all seriousness, stop comparing your hair to others and rock what the good Lord gave you. It will take time, but the journey is the best part.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
When it comes to natural hair, there are lots of ways to style your strands in a way that stands out.
A part is a great way to draw attention to your hair, and it can also affect the way your face looks in terms of shape. However, while some naturals have a natural part, what we’re born with might not always be what we want to present on the daily. And other naturals don’t have a visible part to begin with! So when you want to change things up and section your hair into a new style, here are a few of the best parts out there.
No Part? No Problem!
We know, we know, this is cheating a little bit. But for lots of naturals, their hair looks best when they have no part! With bouncy curls just falling wherever they fall, you can create a full-bodied look that is natural and effortless. If you don’t want a part, just let things fall and rest however they want to go.
Photo by @mominatu
Photo by @actually_ashly
Photo by @_iamsimplyk
Photo courtesy of @daynabolden
Straight Down The Middle
This is one of the best parts for natural hair because it’s so universal—this type of part works well with several different hair textures and styles. You can part your hair in the middle and just leave it out, of course. Or middle parts create a neat look that is perfect for sleek styles that call for your hair to be pulled back in a bun or ponytail, or into classically cute pigtails! A middle part can make a heart-shaped face appear more narrow, especially when you have longer hair.
Photo courtesy of @claire_most
Photo by @freshlengths
Photo by @curlsbyclaribel
Off to the Side
This slightly sassy part is great for those with a round face shape since it serves to elongate the appearance of the face. For all our baby-faced curlies, this will be the “Take me seriously” part that will age you up — no special effects required. If you have a lovely square-shaped face that you want to soften up on occasion, this will be the part that’s going to round off some of your sharper angles. To determine which side you need your side part to be on, examine your facial features. If one side of your face has stronger features or features that point upward, that’s the side you want to put your part on.
Photo by @sunitav_
Photo by @freddieharrel
Photo by @authentically.b
Zigzag
Looking to pump up the volume on your curls? Zigzag is one of the best parts for natural hair for a few reasons. The zigzag part helps create a lifted appearance to the roots as it serpentines across your scalp, and, really, it’s also just plain fun! If you have lower-density hair and a particularly visible part, this method is going to be just a little extra time that will instantly make any look seem extra special!
Photo by @jd_winters
Photo by @rhyliebriana
What parts have you tried, curlies? Be sure to keep up with the best tips in hair sectioning with us, and don’t forget to share your photos with @naturallycurly tagged!
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up in the Dominican Republic, I probably got my first blowout when I was three years old. The natural hair on the island is seen as “bad hair.” Curls, fros, and kinks are all a “no-no” in my country. My sister had thicker hair and tighter curls than me so she always used to get her hair relaxed and I was always happy because I was the one with “good hair” because my hair was easier to manage. Seeing and experiencing different responses and growing up listening to the terms “bad hair” and “good hair” taught me at the time that my curly hair wasn’t beautiful enough, so I hated it.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
To be honest, it was easier for me and more affordable. Moving from the Dominican Republic to NYC made me realize how expensive going to the beauty salon could be, plus it’s no reason to get a blowout in the hot and humid streets of NYC. When I started transitioning, I fell in love with the process. I realized it wasn’t only about having beautiful curls, it was about embracing my roots, my history, the history that many Dominicans deny on a daily basis, and my ancestors who are forgotten. When the truth hit, that’s when I started to embrace my curls with pride.
How have your family, friends, and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
“¿Muchacha tu ta loca?” which means “girl, are you crazy?” in Spanish. My mom went nuts when I stopped straightening my hair. I would always receive comments like “Why is your hair so messy?”, “When are you going to brush your hair?”, and “You look better with straight hair.” I got less support from my family, especially my mom who praised straight hair so much that she would straighten my hair every weekend, so finding out I was going natural really shocked her. I chose to embrace the process and educate those who are ignorant about natural hair along the way.
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
I used to cut my dead ends every 2-3 weeks and religiously deep conditioned 1-2 times a week with homemade masks with 100% natural products.
What is your current hair regimen?
I still deep condition every week, get trims every 3-4 months and clarify my hair every 2-3 weeks.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
Three-strand twists and the Denman brush are definitely a go to. When I was transitioning, twist outs were my best friend to help define my damaged curls. Now, I use the Denman brush for everything — it definitely helps a lot by defining my curls and detangling them.
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
Patience is the No. 1 thing you need when transitioning. No hair product or haircut will help your natural hair as much as having a lot of patience. Also, if you experienced heat damaged like me, you have to let go of the damaged hair and just cut it off. Lastly, deep conditioning every week is a must!
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image :@_saltycurls
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
It was quite interesting as I was the only one in my immediate family who had curly hair and the only one in my extended family who never straightened or treated my hair. My parents always expressed how beautiful my hair was and helped me be confident. But the first time I ever straightened my hair, I was like 15. Boys kept telling me I looked better with straight hair. So I started doing it more & more. I felt like I looked messy when my hair wasn’t straight.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I cut my hair very short, and all of a sudden my curls revived!! People started commenting on my hair, I started loving the way my curls were growing and I decided no more heat!
How have your family, friends, and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
My family has always loved my hair! This has really helped me love it as well. In fact, my dad always wants my hair to be “bigger”! It’s so much easier to deal with “different” hair when you have people around you constantly making you feel better about it! I also feel like right now everyone is really appreciating textured hair and volume!
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
I always did. I was just never comfortable with it. I didn’t feel put together if my hair was curly, but now I feel weird if my hair isn’t curly!
What is your current hair regimen?
Lost of hair masks, moisturizing, leave-in conditioners, diffusing, finger coils, and love!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
Diffusing for sure.
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
Textured hair, in my opinion, is the most amazing hair. It’s not possible for it to be boring. It’s fun, fluffy, big, bold, and it’s beautiful! Care for it and love it because many wish they had the gorgeous hair you have!
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image by:@kitzelreyes
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
My whole life I grew up not liking my hair. I would wake up super early to straighten my hair and I thought it was impossible to get my curl pattern back. Beauty standards are all about silky-smooth, straight hair and I was tired of it. At home no one mentioned my hair, but it was a touchy subject.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I realized that I didn’t need that to be “presentable,” and I just let my hair run wild. One day while doing my make-up, I came across a YouTube video talking all about the Curly Girl Method. I was so curious because I had never heard of it before. Either way, I decided to give it a go. Embracing your natural texture is all about persistence, patience, and a lot of trial and error. It has not been easy, yet I haven’t felt this good about myself in years.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Realizing I’m not the only one looking up to my curls. There are people out there who want my hair?!?! Crazy!!! That moment right there made me realize that I got this and my curls are just as beautiful! I think being a beauty influencer has made me more open to the curly community and I have made some amazing friends.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I wear my hair in a pineapple. I also have a satin pillow and I wear a satin bonnet.
Who is your curl crush?
@Hif3licia — her hair is amazing.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Witch I Love Your Hair Magical Mist and my Denman brush.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I wash and condition with the True by made beautiful and I have been using the GVP Sally’s Conditioning Balm as a leave-in during the winter for extra moisture. I follow up with the Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic and I add Aussie Instant Freeze Gel depending on the day I either diffuse or air dry.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Transitioning — it definitely was hard. My hair wasn’t curly or straight. I had such a hard time, but here I am now enjoying my hair. Don’t get me wrong — I still struggle, but not the same.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Using the Denman brush to define my curls and using the Hairepear hair towel has made a huge difference in controlling my frizz. I will also share a tip: If your hair is in need of hydration, go to your local organic store and get aloe vera juice and use it as a refresher.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Be patient and continue with this journey. It’s worth it. It’s such an amazing feeling to be able to wake up and love all of you. Your curls are just as beautiful — embrace your hair! My hair has given me self-love and confidence that makes me feel beautiful and unique. I still have a long way to go with my curls, but like I said, patience is key. I decided to dedicate my social media platform to talk all about curls and how to rock it because I didn’t have that. I didn’t have YouTube or Instagram to show this was possible. I want to change beauty standards and show the world that curly hair is just as beautiful.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image by: @mrscurlcoachwalker
What is your hair type?
3b
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up was not easy. I hated getting my hair done by my mother, who is Latina with straight hair. She had no idea how to care for my hair so it was up in pig tales most of the time. When I was around 10 years old, I decided to take my hair into my own hands and I’ve been learning how to care for it ever since. There’s been some ups and downs dealing with my curls, but we made it!
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I’ve always loved and embraced it, but I fell in love with it when I learned how to care for it. I took the time to build a relationship with my curls and now we are the best of friends.
How have your family, friends, and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
They love it! They all fully support me because I use the knowledge I have and I share it with everyone. I’ve become the go-to person for natural hair info in my family and with my friends.
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
I started with the CG method, but after a year I stopped and started listening to my hair and its needs and that’s what works for me.
What is your current hair regimen?
I consider my self a wash and go queen that’s my go-to style.
- shampoo and condition once a week co-wash midweek if needed
- deep condition weekly
- trim and cut my own hair
- use a gel or cream to style and a light spray for daily refresh
- pineapple at night
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
I prefer the squish to condish and wet plopping.
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
Trust your process, take pride in your journey and celebrate your success.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image by: @craft_and_mane
What is your hair type?
2c + 3a
What has been the most empowering moment of your journey so far? Most challenging?
Strangers will send me their selfie on Instagram talking about how I have inspired them to start wearing their hair natural and they are so surprised by their own hair and what it’s doing! They say my posts have really helped them know what to do with their hair and where to start. That really empowers me to continue to believe in myself as someone who can help others in this journey, while I figure out my own hair. It’s helped me realize you don’t have to “know it all” before you begin to help others.
How do you prefer to protect your curls at night, bonnet, scarf or satin pillowcase?
I am a HUGE cheerleader for a silk pillowcase. It has been one of my most valuable purchases. I also wear a buff at night to preserve the definition in my curls, and that helps a lot. Buffs are also by far the most comfortable solution I’ve found.
Read more: How Curlies are Using the Buff in the Pursuit of Second-Day Hair
Who is your curl crush?
Oh gosh, so many! When I first discovered the Curly Girl Method I couldn’t believe the community there was on Instagram! It’s like its own little world! Everyone sharing details and techniques. It’s crazy how you can feel at home with a bunch of strangers, simply because of your hair. It’s amazing!
I really love:
- @dervscurls primarily for the shape of her adorable shaggy cut.
- @Lovelifecurls for her confidence in wearing short hair.
- @marina_curly_veggie for cute scarf styles and how to videos!
What’s your curly girl essential?
Right now I live and die by a bandana or a scarf. My hairline has so much postpartum regrowth happening that a bandana really comes in clutch. I have like 5 of them that I’m currently rotating through, depending on what I wear. I simply fold the square fabric to mimic the shape of a headband, put my hair in a cute top knot, wrap the bandana around my head and tie it at the top. This is my go-to style when I am with my kids or being casual. Sometimes though (depending on the scarf”> I can dress it up and wear it to work!
Do you prefer to shampoo or co-wash?
I am all about a cowash! When I go through old products that I used to use I can’t believe how stripping they feel! I just can’t stand them anymore. It’s like a cowash has become my new normal, so anything with a rich lather makes my hair feel SO dry, especially on the mid strands and ends. I also like to use a conditioner or use a masque after I cowash.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I am always trying new things, however, this combo is my favorite! I start with a cowash and a killer head rub. As I Am Coconut Cowash is my favorite. After I cowash, I either condition or use a masque. DevaCurl Melt into Moisture Masque and SheaMoisture Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque are my go to’s. I let the masque sit while I shower, then rinse it out with cool water. Then, I flip my head over and do a little bit of finger combing, but not a lot. Mainly squish to condish (with water”> and praying hands to promote curl clumping. Then, I lightly blot with a cotton T-Shirt and start to apply my stylers. Some of my favorites are Lusbrands Wavy first, then apply DevaCurl Light Defining Gel or Bounce Curl Light Cream Gel by itself. Sometimes I apply more styling product when it’s 50% dry (Smasters technique“>. I love diffusing with my Dyson hair blowdryer! Once dry, fluff my roots and SOTC (scrunch out the crunch“>!
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
What is your hair type?
3b
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up, I never knew how curly my hair actually was. I always went to the hair salon ever since I was nine years old to get my hair straightened. I thought that straight hair was considered “Good Hair” because that’s how society always made it seem, especially my mother.
$$AD$$What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I wanted a big change in my life. I was going through a lot mentally and physically. I wanted to love myself and understand my worth as a young lady. I did it for myself not because it was a trend.
How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
At first, my family did not understand it at all. They made me feel sad because they would call me names and try to make it seem like I had bad hair because I wanted to embrace what I have.
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
I transitioned from damaged hair to natural hair by changing hair products that contain no sulfate, parabens or silicones and instead of making home remedies because I couldn’t afford deep conditioners. I used to cut my own hair for years because I know exactly what part of my hair needed to go because it was damaged and because we all know how expensive curly cuts can be. I became a huge fan of natural oils because until this day they make my wash and go’s so much easier.
$$AD$$What is your current hair regimen?
I am fully transitioned. I love it so much because it who I am. My hair is growing a lot and I now have black hair and I will change it really soon because I love experiencing new things.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
So far what truly works for me is to use a deep conditioner for every wash and also to pre-poo with Righteous Roots or with my own mix of oils that I create myself with natural oils from the Dominican Republic.
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
I would definitely recommend anyone who is transitioning at the moment to be consistent with your hair. You will not see results right away and that’s okay. Please do not let anybody discourage you because they are fully transitioned and you’re not. We all started somewhere and everyone’s hair is different. Love yourself first.
Image via iStock
Feel that chill in the air? It’s fall, curlies!
Even the warmer states and regions are feeling the cooler breezes now. But now that it’s time to break out the coordinated layers and cute scarves, have you considered that your hair care should be transitioning with your wardrobe?
For a hair care routine to be effective, it has to be adjusted based on the changing seasons. Your curls won’t need the same things year-round, and failing to make changes can lead to your locks not getting what they really need to stay healthy and beautiful! We’ve got you though. Here are a few key tips for transitioning your haircare from summer to fall to ensure you’re rocking your best curls, no matter the weather!
Ease up on humectants and daily lotions
In the summer, you need extra humectants to lock in that moisture, but the air in the fall tends to dry out a little. Remember, water molecules move from low volume to high volume, so the wetter the air, the dryer your hair! Since fall flips the script, you naturally need fewer humectants to coat the cuticle of the hair. HOWEVER, while you might not need as much humectant product in your arseneal, moisture is still important! Don’t even think about ignoring moisturizing routines altogether (we know you weren’t, but still“>. Try easing up on the hair creams and lotions if you tend to reach for them on a daily basis, and sub in a weekly deep moisturizing mask to keep your hair hydrated.
A few good products for performing weekly treatments include TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask, Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Curl-Defining Moisture Mask, or EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Hair Masque.
You might even feel like getting fancy and doing a face mask while your hair sits! Curl glow and skin glow are perfect fall coordinates, after all.
Take time to trim
Fall is a great time to watch leaves shed, but not so much any broken strands! Take the time to evaluate the tips of your curls for any split ends or damage that needs to make like a tree and LEAF, then dust/trim/cut accordingly. Seasonally speaking, since winter is traditionally the time to put your hair in protective styles with the goal of deep hydration, it makes sense to make fall your usual trim time. This means hair will be healthy and ready for the winter of protective styles and extra moisturizing treatments.
Let it all out
If you want to have your curls really shine before putting them up for the colder months ahead, now’s the time for them to take center stage… yes, even more than usual. With summer, the goal is usually to keep your hair up, protected, and out of your face since the hairstyle heat trap struggle is so real. But with cooler weather and less threat of humidity-causing frizz, fully ‘out’ looks are a great choice for fall! Just make sure you’re keeping up with the shorter daylight hours for optimal selfie sharing.
Clarify your hair after summer
This is important if you spent a lot of time enjoying the sun, sand, and surf of summer time. Remember how much you were moisturizing those curls in the heat, protecting them from the sun, and re-upping your leave-ins once you got out of the pool? You actually can have too much of a good thing if all that product has layered itself in your strands. Start fall off without build-up left over from summer fun, and get that slate nice and clean! And if you’re in search of a few great clarifying products, check out Mop Top Clarifying Rescue Treatment, CURLS Pure Curls Clarifying Shampoo, and As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo!
Seasons come and seasons go, but great hair in transitioning from one to the next never has to change…even if your routine does.Ready for more tips and tricks this fall? Make sure you’re following us @naturallycurly, and make sure you’re tagging us in your fab photo ops! And be sure to share any that you have with us in the comments below!
What is your hair type?
3c
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
As a child, I disliked my curly hair and wished it was straight. I grew up around people who didn’t look like me, and it was difficult for me to embrace my natural curls. For many years, I straightened my hair, which led to terrible heat damage. I finally began to see the beauty in my natural hair and embraced it! I’m so glad I snapped out of it.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/coily/wavy hair?
I started embracing my natural hair more after watching Tia and Tamera rock their natural curls on Sister Sister. However, I still didn’t fully like my hair because I compared my curls to everyone else. Big mistake! After getting married and having my daughter, I really began to love my natural hair. I did tons of research, started a YouTube channel and I learned to take care of my hair, which in turn caused me to fall in love with my natural curls and life has never been the same.
How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
Fortunately, my friends and family love my hair and ask for tips all the time! I couldn’t be happier to have such amazing and supportive people in my life!
Image: @happycurlhappygirl
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
Although, I never had a relaxer, my hair mimicked one due to heat damage. I gradually cut off some of my hair to help speed of the process and took care of my hair to get my curls to pop and to be healthy.
What is your current hair regimen?
I’m big on moisture! Therefore I make sure to implement moisture as much as possible! I usually wash my hair once a week with a sulfate-free shampoo, always making sure to deep condition regularly. This helps tremendously! I then style once a week, which is usually a wash and go! Because my hair is out the majority of the time, I make sure to mist my hair daily with either aloe vera juice or plain water. I sleep with my hair protected by a satin scarf and I make sure not to neglect my scalp in my regimen!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
Yes! My wash and go technique has helped tremendously — I share all the time on my YouTube channel! Technique is everything to get a desired style!
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
DO NOT COMPARE YOUR HAIR! It’s so hard not to do this when we’re glued to our social media of women with long, curly hair and we sometimes find ourselves wishing we had someone else’s hair. Don’t do it! Focus and love YOUR hair because it’s beautiful and it needs YOUR love so that it can flourish in its own way! Have patience, it’s so important! It will not happen overnight, but be encouraged that it CAN happen! Stay consistent and don’t give up. You can achieve ANY style and you can achieve healthy hair!
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Photo by Khaled Ghareeb on Unsplash
“What is my curl pattern?” is the most frequently asked question on NaturallyCurly, and for every photo that is shared, there seems to be a few things that consistently go unnoticed. First, I want to acknowledge that curl pattern is helpful when addressing styling and a few hair care tips like lightweight products versus heavy products, but it is probably the least important factor when it comes to hair care.
Other factors like porosity play a larger role in how you care for your hair than curl pattern. But if you are new to the curly community, or perhaps if you’ve been here a while and haven’t figured out this curl pattern stuff yet, then there are a few things that could be hindering your pursuit of your curl pattern.
Read more:This Matters More than Curl Pattern
1. You need to let your hair shrink
Stretched styles (e.g. twist out, braid out, etc.”> will not give a proper representation of your curl pattern. Also, wet hair is not a proper depiction, as the water is weighing it down. After cleansing and deep conditioning, shingle a moisturizer and styling product throughout your hair with your fingers, and allow your hair shrink as it dries. Some say you can identify your curl pattern in its wet state but a wet 4a can easily be mistaken as a dry 3c, so a shrunken wash and go in its dried state is the most accurate way to make an assessment.
2. Stop combing your hair after you wash it
Put the comb down. There is nothing wrong with using a comb to detangle or even style, but combing separates your natural curl alignment/curl definition. The best way to observe your curl pattern is after it has been washed and not styled with tools. I know it is a natural tendency to comb your hair in order to style it, but this only disrupts the curl definition.
3. Heat damage
Let’s not be in denial. You mean to tell me that the leave out that you kept straightening to match your weave or extensions is 3b but the rest of your hair is 4b? If you use heat tools frequently, then more times than not that is why you cannot figure out your curl pattern. Give your hair a six-month break from heat styling. If the texture at the roots is different from the length of your hair, then you definitely have heat damage. Much like transitioning with relaxed hair, without cutting the damaged ends it can be difficult to observe your true curl pattern due to the weight of the damaged hair.
4. Dryness
If your hair is dry, it is less likely to maintain curl definition. Make sure your regimen is centered on putting moisture into your hair. Most of the women I know who are able to capture their curl definition are avid about deep conditioning and sealing their hair with an oil or butter. If you are using a gel with drying alcohols instead of fatty alcohols, this could be another reason your hair is dry.
5. You’re still transitioning
Everyone thought they had the same hair as Tracee Ellis Ross until it was time to cut those relaxed ends. Oh, was it just me? Trying to identify your curl pattern while your hair is transitioning is quite difficult and not an accurate portrayal until you cut the relaxed ends. The weight matters. I remember when people would show me pictures of someone with a 4a, shoulder length wash and go and say they were not going to big chop until they reached that length. My response would always be, “Well, I guess you are going to be transitioning for 3-5 years with no trims.” When transitioning, the best thing to focus on is moisturizing, deep conditioning, protein treatments, and low manipulation styles. Curl pattern is completely irrelevant.
6. You’re focusing on frizz
Although looser curl patterns have a higher tendency to create and sustain curl definition, frizzy hair exists for every curl pattern. Frizzy hair does not automatically qualify you as 4c and curl definition does not automatically make you a 3b. I have seen frizz and definition across the board. Frizzy, 3b hair exists just like defined, 4c hair exists.
7. You do not have curl definition
There is a difference between someone whose hair does not clump, versus someone who has frizz.
If your hair does not clump into a consistent pattern while wet, then you do not have natural curl definition, and that is fine. There is nothing wrong with your hair.
If your hair does have definition while wet, then you do have a curl pattern but your unique texture is just more prone to frizz without the proper moisturizing products, styling products, and techniques, and that is fine. There is nothing wrong with your hair. Remember, curl definers can only capture a curl, not create one. Learning how to master your wash and go takes time, and that still does not guarantee that frizz will be completely eliminated; it may only be reduced.
Nikki, 3c (left”> and Devri, 3c (right”>
Is all of this confusing? Need an example? Check out our editors Nikki and Devri in the photo above. They both have 3c hair but Nikki’s hair is very defined and Devri’s is very frizzy. More great examples are vloggers Jouelzy and Traeh (below”>. They both have 4c hair but Traeh has a more defined curl pattern and Jouelzy’s is less defined.
Jouelzy (left”> and Traeh (right”>
Some people never learn about their curl pattern and have an equally healthy hair care journey, so please do not fret. Knowing your curl pattern is not the be-all and end-all to having healthy hair.
Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for, keep these in mind and take the curl pattern quiz. You can also check out this article which talks more about curl patterns and typing, dealing specifically with curl pattern changes.
Do you have any tips for finding a curl pattern? Share them in the comments below!
This article was originally published in 2015 and has been updated.
What is your hair type?
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
What is your current hair regimen?
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image:@curlsfirst
What country do you live in?
How would you best describe your hair?
What is your hair type?
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Image:@curlsfirst
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/coily/wavy hair?
How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
Image:@curlsfirst
What is your current hair regimen?
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Nicole Kidman’s mop made her feel ‘awkward and repulsive,’ she says. ‘When I was little I had curls down to my bum, and people would always pull at my hair and say, ‘Ohhhhh, she’s got currrrls! I hated that.’….Even today, Kidman likes to wear her hair blown out straight. ‘The thing you hate about yourself tends to be the thing that everyone likes about you,’ she says. ‘Russell Crowe always says, ‘Nic, just wear your hair curly and leave your glasses on. That’s how you look best.’
— People magazine
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