Image: @curlyfitmom

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Growing up with curls was hard. My mom tried to work with them, but she really didn’t know what to do with my curls. I remember wanting straight hair like all the other girls more than anything. As a kid my curls made me different, but I didn’t know till my mid-thirties that the difference was SOOO GOOD!

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

I was tired of forcing my hair. I was a tired momma of three kiddos, and I wanted my curls to be beautiful. I met an amazing woman who had gorgeous curls. I did a big chop and went ALL in embracing the curl. Took me several years to learn about the curly girl method, but the process was worth it. Even the years I was not following the curly girl method perfectly, I was learning that curls made me me.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far? 

Embracing the big, embracing the frizz, embracing my hair WITH it imperfections as truly BEAUTIFUL has been extremely empowering. To realize my curls are AWESOME when they aren’t perfectly smooth and defined has given me such freedom to just love my hair as is. I still work to learn my hair and learn more about curls, but I LOVE my hair at every stage now.  

Image: @curlyfitmom

How do you protect your curls at night?

I hate sleeping with a puff! The first few nights after I wash and style, I flip my curls up on my silk pillowcase. Once my hair is a little more lived in, I use a puff cuff to pineapple my curls to sleep.

Who is your curl crush?

The curly girl community on Instagram yields new curl crushes every day! It’s so hard for me to pick one! I guess I crush on the community itself. It fills my heart with joy to be a part of it.

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

My thecurlyco diffuser is one thing I truly couldn’t go without! I love how bouncy it makes my curls.

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

My hair LOVED Inahsi Naturals! The Mint Shampoo and Conditioner, Mango Hemp Restorative Deep Conditioner, and Aloe Hibiscus Leave-in are staples in my hair care! I also have recently discovered the Treluxe curl serum which truly helps smooth and define. I also LOVE Ecoslay Orange Marmalade Curl Definer.

Image: @curlyfitmom

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far? 

Digging in and making myself learn ingredients, figure out protein and moisture balance and truly learn what is best for MY HAIR. Realizing that a failed wash day or weeks of failed wash days are just a part of the learning! They aren’t fails! They are steps to growth and discovery.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

Eating for my health, drinking my daily water. Exercise, and personal development and spiritual growth. Loving your hair isn’t just about how your curls look, it’s about something deeper. Owning who you are and recognizing you are fearfully and wonderfully made as is. Practically balancing my moisture and protein has given me incredible consistency with my curls this past year.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

Dig deep. Don’t just focus on just your curls. Focus on what inside is causing discontent. Follow other curly girls to learn, NOT to compare. Learn your hair. Keep learning. Research. Read. Experiment. Fail, and DON’T give up. It’s a fun and worth it journey to truly loving and embracing not just your curls, but who you were meant to be.

What’s your hair story? Share your journey with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Image: @sullyg_

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Growing up with curly hair, a lot of my “getting ready” time was spent on my hair. I spent hours in the shower and in front of the mirror, trying to figure out how to control this mane for school! I grew to appreciate the versatility of my hair; from when it was long and straight to short and curly. I often received compliments about my hair and it became a staple to my identity.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

Unlike many other curly hair journeys, I’ve always wore my hair curly. I never had a perm or a chemical relaxer. In college, I attempted to dye my hair a copper red with a box dye (never do this, please!”> and I damaged my hair. I began straightening my hair more often because I wasn’t proud of how my curls dropped. After about two years of consistently straightening my hair, I decided to cut my hair and begin my curly hair journey!

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far? 

The most empowering moment of my natural hair journey has been going red. I never thought having colored curls was possible without compromising my curl health. I’ve learned that my curls are so much more versatile than I knew and I love it! Like my personality, my curls have many different expressions, and I enjoy wearing ALL of them!

How do you protect your curls at night?

At night I typically put my hair in a pineapple to preserve the style. Because of my busy schedule, I’m pretty low maintenance with my protective styles. I allow myself to be flexible with my hair care regimen, which is what empowers and encourages me to continue caring for my curls.

Image: @sullyg_

Who is your curl crush?

Jade Kendle (aka @Lipstickncurls“>,hands down, has ALWAYS been my curl crush. When I first started my journey, she was the only videos I would watch on YouTube for about two years straight. Eventually, I opened up to new people lol. I also love Kayla Madonna’s curls.

What are your top tips for caring for color treated curls?

Deep condition and treat your hair with protein often! Deep condition weekly (at least”> and do protein treatments every 4-6 weeks depending on how your hair responds to protein. When done professionally, color looks beautiful on curls! However, it can be very dehydrating. You want to make sure your hair looks and feels healthy!

Any products or techniques that are gamechanging for your routine when preserving the color?

Rinsing in cold water and shampooing less frequently. Cold water closes the hair cuticle, which prevents the color from bleeding out as easily. When I wash my hair I try to always use cold water and shampoos that don’t have harsh chemicals. Also, purchasing a deep conditioner with color deposit is super helpful. Check out brands like overtone for more info on that!

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

Wow, tough question. Right now it would have to be my curl diffuser. Ever since I began using it to style my hair it has changed the game for my wash n go’s!

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

I know people must be tired of me mentioning the same products for my curly hair regimen, but I can’t help it! I LOVE Ouidad’s whipped curls conditioner and their Advanced Climate Control Gel for my wash and go’s. I use the raking method to apply each product and use a curl diffuser to set the style.

Image: @sullyg_

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far? 

The most challenging moment would have to be trying new products. As I continue to create hair content, I struggle with trying new products because I know my favorite products will give great results. When products don’t work for my hair, seeing the outcome can be frustrating. However, I’ve learned to look at it as an opportunity to share with others what ingredients and products are not compatible with my hair type.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

The raking method and using a curl diffuser take my wash n go’s to new levels. If you aren’t diffusing or raking I would DEFINITELY try it out to for a new, defined look!

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

Like loving a person, place, or experience, loving your hair is a process. It does not happen overnight. However, when you put time and effort into anything, you will naturally grow to appreciate it. Take time to learn your hair, the styles you enjoy, and routines that work for you. As soon as you can embrace that loving your hair is a process, you will grow more open to your natural hair. Plus, your hair is the crown God gifted you with!

What’s your hair story? Share your journey with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Image:@curlipedia

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

I have always loved my curly hair, but I have never managed to deal with.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

Moving from country to another wasn’t convenient to find good hairdressers easily and I’m not fond of straightening my hair. So, one day I have given up and decided to embrace the way it is.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far? 

When I started watching YouTube videos about curly hair , I discovered the Curly Girl Method & it was a turning point; it was my only way to learn how to manage my curls. And it has totally changed the way I embrace my naturally curly hair.

How do you protect your curls at night?

I do scalp massage at night before I go to bed then I put my hair in a pineapple. I either sleep on a satin pillow case or in a satin bonnet.

Image:@curlipedia

Who is your curl crush?

Literally I have learned everything from @stylfeen, @Lynnkatee& @curlsandblondies.

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

Hair pik
Clarifying shampoo
Thermal cap
Conditioners

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

I wash my hair once per week , I co-wash if more than once. I use conditioner to detangle the deep conditioner for 30 mins using a thermal cap. I apply all the products on soaking wet hair. 

These are my favorite products:
– DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel
– Kinky Curly Knot Today
– Long Hair Don’t Care
– Witch I Love Your Hair
– Righteous Roots Oil

Image:@curlipedia

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far? 

Learning how to balance protein & moisture was so challenging and it totally made a significant impact. 

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

Scalp massage. It doesn’t only add a lot of nourishment to my hair but more volume.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

Patience, knowledge & consistency are the main keys to reach your hair goals.

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Image Source: Martiana Caruana

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

My mum has really wavy hair which is up in a ponytail most of the time so frankly she had no idea what to do with my hair. I was literally the only person in the house with long curly hair (apart from my dad, but his hair was on the shorter side”>. It was acknowledged that I had curly hair but since no one knew what to do with it, it was treated like straight hair.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

I was watching Penny Tovar’s video on all the bad ways that you can take care of curly hair (ironically this video popped up in my recommended feed, it was the first ever video I saw of Penny’s“>. I recognized all the mistakes I was making and I was curious to see the potential my hair had while it was taken care of properly.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

On the day of my high school graduation, I washed it the day before so I could wear it down and in my eyes it didn’t come out good. So obviously, I went to the graduation feeling like my hair was a mess and that I should have straightened it. I even told my sister to remind me to flat iron it for my next graduation! But when I saw that almost all the girls with straight hair had attempted to curl their hair, it made me feel so proud that my hair was naturally made that way. I couldn’t have felt prouder walking on stage with my hair in it’s natural form (the pictures even came great too!“>.

Image Source: Martiana Caruana

How do you protect your curls at night?

I use water, olive oil and John Frieda’s Frizz Ease mousse for the LOC method. Then I loosely tie my scarf around my head and I top it all off with a satin bonnet to prevent the scarf from coming off during the night. Tying the scarf loosely and securing it with a bonnet really helped put less of a strain on my hairline.

Who is your curl crush?

Honestly? It’s me. I am my own curl crush. Yes I love looking at other people’s hair and admiring it but at the end of the day there is no one’s hair that I want more than mine.

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

My scarf and satin bonnet

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

I am starting to really love the Organic Shop. It’s very affordable and it has a great selection of products that give moisture and shine.

Image Source: Martiana Caruana

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

Going on for a year of being heat free. I just can’t resist it, my longest time done was 6 months.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

Overall, deep conditioning once a week has been a huge game changer for me.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

Your hair is not like anyone elses. Every wave, curl and coil is unique. That’s what makes your hair special. Being different and standing out can be a good thing. Also in the wise words of Joe from the Princess Diaries: Don’t let anyone make you feel inferior without your consent.

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Image: @nellyscurls

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Growing up with textured hair was a struggle. My Mother has type 2 hair and had no idea how to care for my hair. Going to the salon weekly and getting a roller set followed by a blowout was the “normal” thing to do. I dealt with people referring to my hair as “nappy and pelo malo “bad hair”. I grew up hating my hair, it was very hard. Hearing something negative for so long regarding my appearance made me believe it.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

I was tired of being someone I wasn’t and letting people have power over my appearance. I was honestly fed up with feeling like I wasn’t being loyal to me and altering something that is God given.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

I don’t have just one but many. I’d have to say receiving messages from women and men expressing their gratitude and sharing with me how I’ve helped inspire their own journey is always empowering.

How do you protect your curls at night?

At night I put my hair into a pineapple or just leave it down but I always put on a silk bonnet to protect my curls at night.

Image: @nellyscurls

Who is your curl crush?

My curl crush is @Janevamdb on Instagram, she’s such a beautiful person both on the inside and outside.

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

I can’t live without my DevaCurl SuperCream/Styling Cream and my Righteous Roots Oil blend.

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

I deep condition weekly and do scalp massages with my favorite oil blend 3X a week at night. I always style on soaking wet hair and my favorite products are by DevaCurl (B’Leave-In, SuperCream, & Styling Cream”> and RizosCurls.

Image: @nellyscurls

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

The most challenging moment was transitioning. I struggled with getting my hair past day two and finding hairstyles that would help me cope with the “stringy” pieces of hair. I wouldn’t have changed a thing though, transitioning taught me so much about myself.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

Using a Denman brush while styling helps me so much to achieve great wash day results. I would also have to say incorporating a deep conditioner weekly, using a microfiber towel, scalp massages, and a silk bonnet has made my journey easier.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

Don’t be afraid to embrace the real you. Find the strength to gain the self-confidence to be who you are, unapologetically. Don’t be afraid to create your own definition and standards of beauty and own them. Do not base your self-perception off of what society tells you is “beautiful”. Be fierce!

What’s your hair story? Share your journey with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Image Source: @curly_cristie

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Back in the day it was very hard for me. My mom was the owner of a hair salon and she raised me to neglect my natural texture. I always found myself hiding my hair with relaxers and hairstyles such as braids and buns. It wasn’t until 2015 that I finally decided to embrace my hair and texture.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

I constantly felt the need to fulfill a standard that my family had prepared for me. Not knowing myself made me start to question my decisions. One day I just decided to let my hair down and cut away all that hurtful past.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

My big chop was a moment that marked my life forever. That moment was of pure freedom. As the scissor did its job I felt all the pain falling to the ground along with my processed hair. I can’t put into words the relief I felt.

How do you protect your curls at night?

I always do a scalp massage with any oils. Righteous Roots and Aunt Jackie’s are two of my favorites. With these massages I promote hair growth and also tame any previous frizz. After that I wear my satin hat or just use my satin pillowcase.

Image Source: @curly_cristie

Who is your curl crush?

I spent lots of time on YouTube learning about techniques and DIYs. That’s how I found Jewellianna Palencia also known as JewJewbee on social media. She’s always had these juice and moisturized curls. I really enjoy her hair tips.

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

I can’t leave my house without my afro pick. Humidity is one of my main problems when I go out so I just fluff my hair and make my afro even bigger. Also if I apply too much product my hair tends to weigh down.

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

After a long time I finally got to understand my hair and the L.O.C method is my favorite. With this I can seal the moisture and my curls last longer. Carol’s Daughter Coco Créme collection is my current go-to for extreme moisture.

Image Source: @curly_cristie

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

At the beginning it was very hard for me to understand the needs of my hair. I made tons of research and asked around to other curly friends. Curly hair terms can be very confusing but after awhile you get used to it.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

Twist outs are one of my favorite techniques when I feel like giving my hair a different pattern. Also it works as a protective style preventing breakage and keeping my ends sealed.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

I always tell ladies to be gentle with themselves. Going natural is a long process of self acceptance and self love. I compare us women to flowers; not for the gentle side but for the beautiful process of blossoming. Changes take time, so just wait for the right moment and go for it.

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Image: @carla.alverio

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Growing up with textured hair wasn’t a problem for me at home. My mom would let me fix my hair on my own since I was 7 years old. She’d fix it for me only on special occasions, but it was usually a terrible blowout. I managed to care for my hair as best as I could.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

My daughter inspired me to embrace my natural curls. When I began to see her curls forming at the age of 2 (back in 2015″>, I then realized that I needed to be a better role model for her. I began to take better care of my hair by educating myself about how to properly maintain my curls.

Image: @carla.alverio

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

The most empowering moment during my journey was letting go of the excessive heat. I was so addicted to straightening my hair every single day before I began my journey. Now as a hairstylist, I have empowering moments every day by helping women embrace their natural hair and in the process passing down some of the things I have learned.

How do you protect your curls at night?

To protect my hair at night I flip my hair upside down and I put on my satin bonnet. In the event that the bonnet comes off, I have a satin pillowcase as a backup. 

Who is your curl crush?

My curl crush is my daughter. She is growing to love her natural hair and her confidence at such a young age shows me that she is proud of her hair. She reminds me daily of why I began on this journey.

Image: @carla.alverio

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

My essential product that I can’t live without is Righteous Roots Oils. Adding this product to my hair regimen has been amazing, making my hair fuller and longer. It’s a staple in my hair routine.

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

My current hair regimen is very simple. I currently wash my hair twice a week. I use the Bounce Curl clarifying shampoo. I also deep condition once a week (alternating between a protein mask & a protein-free mask”>. On my second washday, I use any shampoo that indicates Hydration/moisture. Rizos Curls is also one of my go-to items.

For styling, here are some of my favorites: Bounce Curl Clump and Define cream, Bounce Curl leave-in conditioner, Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel and Bounce Curl hairspray, Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream and the Rizos Curls Refresh and Detangle Spray.

Once my hair is completely dry (mostly by diffusing”>, I finish by scrunching my hair with Righteous Roots Oils.

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

The most challenging part of my journey was the transitioning stage prior to my big chop. The transitioning stage is when you stop using straighteners and allow your natural hair to grow out. It is a struggle for many people who try to embrace their natural hair, especially if you have severe heat damage or a chemical treatment. During my transitioning stage, I mostly kept my hair in 2 twists and a small bun.

Image: @carla.alverio

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

Putting away the flat iron and dedicating myself to my hair care, mostly deep conditioning treatments has made a huge impact in my hair health. It has made a major difference.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

My advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture is to think about why they don’t love their natural texture. Sometimes, the answers are not so obvious and it requires some digging into finding out why we feel the way that we do. Whether your hair is naturally curly, kinky, or straight, you must love yourself first. Don’t worry about trends or who is doing what. Love yourself and everything else will fall into place.

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

My childhood was different from other curly girls. I am mixed with African American and Puerto Rican. My dad being African American loved my hair and was always supportive when it came to wearing my hair out and curly. My mom also loved my hair and was supportive even though she has fine hair. I think my biggest struggle with accepting my hair started in junior high school. I would be asked why I didn’t brush my hair that specific day or why I didn’t get a wash and set. I used to look at the other girls and wish my hair was straight like theirs. When I started high school all I did was get wash and sets. I straightened my hair with the flatiron everyday.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

I did not feel beautiful anymore; my hair was completely damaged even after a big chop in 2012. I had heat and bleach damage, and my hair wouldn’t curl up anymore. My daughter has beautiful hair; she’s 7 now, but at the time that I decided to change she was 5. She would always ask to straighten her hair because she hated her curls. I felt that I wasn’t being a good example for her. I wasn’t showing her how to love herself and her hair. I chopped my damaged hair off again and I started fresh in 2017. I haven’t bleached my hair or straightened it in 2 years. My daughter and I also do our hair weekly together, It melts my heart with happiness to see her loving herself and her hair more and more everyday.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

Knowing how beautiful I am with my natural hair. I was so busy trying to look a certain way when all along I stood out. I also love that I motivate others to be natural and create their own natural hair journey. My family and friends all want to be natural because they say they are inspired by me and my confidence. It just makes me so happy. I want everyone to be comfortable in their own skin and to embrace their natural hair.

How do you protect your curls at night?

I take 4 drops of one of my favorite oils, Righteous Roots Rx oil and massage it into my scalp. I then put my hair in a high loose puff and wrap my silk scarf over it. sometimes I use a silk bonnet, but it all depends on what day hair I’m on. If it’s day 1-2 i’ll do a silk scarf to keep it intact. Day 3 -4 I’ll do the bonnet.

Who is your curl crush?

Definitely @naethegem, not just for her hair, but her vibe and how carefree she is. When I started, I was inspired by @actually_ashly & @naturally_curla.

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle and Aussie Moist conditioner. These are the two products that I must have in my house at all times. I cannot run out of these products, they make detangling so easy and makes our hair soft.

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

I like to cowash my hair with As I Am Coconut Cleansing Conditioner. I only shampoo if my scalp is sweaty or has product buildup. Rice water every 2 weeks. I usually follow the LOC method, Leave in, oil and cream. Its hydrating and last for days. I sometimes use Leave in and a jelly, then scrunch the crunch with oil. My favorite deep conditioners are Aussie 3 Minute Miracle, Maui Moisture Heal and Hydrate Shea Butter. I love all as I am products they work so well on my hair as well as The Mane Choice, Tailored Beauty and KeraCare.

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

Finding the right products for my hair and trying to get a good routine going. Not every product is made for your hair and to this day I still struggle pairing products together for my hair. To help, I mix products on my hand and see if they mix well, even so sometimes that doesn’t work.

I also struggled with pulling on my widows peak hair. It was almost bald at one point but I started to oil it, give myself more scalp massages. I am happy that i am not doing it as much as I was before. I sometimes catch myself once every two to three months pulling on it, but I immediately stop and wet my hair and it makes it impossible to pull on from it being slippery. I am so proud of myself for stopping, not completely but I will overcome this.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

I learned to take my time and also do my hair in sections. I find that my hair last longer and is more defined when I do it in sections. Combing the hair from bottom up also showed less breakage and pulling on my hair.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

Stop comparing yourself to others you are made to be unique! You are beautiful just the way you are. Just imagine how many different beautiful hair styles and protective styles you can do without damaging your natural hair. Embrace your body, hair, everything about you. Self love is key.

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

I think I had a little different childhood than other curly girls. My mom wouldn’t force to brush my hair, or she wouldn’t cut my hair short, she always made me feel good about my curls, and she would always encourage me to embrace my natural curls. I’m actually really thankful she raised me in a way to accept myself the way I am.my mom would usually put my hair in a pineapple without even knowing there was a name to this hairstyle. As I grew up and became a teenager I started falling in love with people with straight hair I would tell myself how could they have no frizz?! And I spent everyday using a flat iron to get my hair as straight and smooth as them but not only I never achieved the smooth straight hair I lost all my curls definition and became a frizz ball.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

My curls were all gone, like they never even existed! And I had heat damage, bleach damage all over my hair it was super dry and hard to touch. I was exhausted by using the flat iron, and I was at a stage that even using the flat iron wouldn’t work on my hair anymore. I wanted my curls back but I was so confused about how to get them back, so I bought some gel and started styling my hair with it. My hair became even worse, I searched a lot, and found the “curly girl method” and I stuck to it.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

Giving up on using flat irons cold turkey was the most empowering my part of my journey, and it was hard because I couldn’t style my hair, and my hair looked so damaged and bad for the first month of my journey.

How do you protect your curls at night?

I have thick, high density hair, and my hair is long and heavy, so pineappling is not my best choice anymore as it pulls back my hair and makes my neck and head hurt so much in the morning. I do the LOC method twice a week before bed and put my satin bonnet on my hair, and other nights I just use my bonnet. Or, when the weather is super hot, I put my hair up and sleep on my satin pillowcase. Massaging my scalp with natural oils before bed also helped me alot through this journey.

Who is your curl crush?

God I have so many curl crushes including: hifil3cia, ingecurls, powerdomi, curly.mama, curlsbypearls, curlicue_lu, and jannelleoshaughnessy.

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

Deep conditioning has been my favorite part of this journey,

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

The best regimen for my hair is actually listening to my curls needs and giving my hair what it needs, whether it’s moisture or protein or a mix of them both. That’s how I manage to use my products and techniques every wash day. There are two products I’m obsessed about right now – 1 is the co-wash by As I Am, and 2 – a leave-in conditioner by SheaMoisture. I usually put them in my hair with the praying hands method, and then use a brush to distribute it evenly, and my clumps start to form, and then I scrunch gel into my hair.

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

There was this one wash day I realized my hair was really limp and lifeless, and I knew it was time to give it a protein treatment. So, I got my rice water ready and used the bowl method to put it in my hair. My hair was clumping as I was squishing the rice water in, and I was so excited! I put my plastic cap on and I was planning on leaving it over my head for 15 minutes, but then I fell asleep for 3 hours, and when I woke up and rinsed my hair, my hair was a mess! It was overloaded by protein, and my hair strands would break by just touching them. Recovering from that took me quite a few weeks, and it was the most challenging part of my journey.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

Using the praying hands method and finger-coiling helped me get bigger clumps. Beer rinses and using my hand made flaxseed gel was great for my hair health. I also realized that squishing leave-in conditioner with the bowl method is the best way for moisturizing my hair.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

I do believe our body is the happiest when it is in its natural and healthy state, and we’re responsible for making our body and our hair healthy and happy. The world becomes more beautiful when we start loving ourselves the way we are, and when we learn to be happy in our own skin. Every hair texture is unique, and we must be thankful for our hair type and care about it. It’s a long journey, it’s not easy, this journey has its ups and downs, but don’t give up! Because every failure is a lesson! And in a year from now, you will thank yourself for when you started caring about your hair.

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

I hated my hair until I was about 13 years old. As a little girl and teenager, I never understood why my hair couldn’t do what all the other girls in my class hair did, and why it couldn’t be straight and silky too. I would’ve killed to have just ONE day without frizzy, brittle looking hair. My hair was always frizzy regardless of the season. My mom didn’t know what to do with it, so she’d just brush it out and usually put it in a ponytail or braids. I followed her example at the time, and would end up with a frizzy brittle mess. I cringe now looking back at how it was styled and how painful it was when my hair was brushed.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/coily/wavy hair?

I truly embraced it when I was about 13-14 years old. I figured out, with the help of my wonderful mother and some products she could find for me at the time, that my hair was very easy and manageable! There had been some comments from several people along the way, “Is that your natural hair? Does anyone else in your family have hair like you?” That really empowered me and helped me realized that my hair was unique and to rock it! From then on, it’s been a wonderfully curly journey!

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

When my mom chopped my hair off when I was 13. I asked her to cut it because I wanted short hair (my hair was very long at the time”>. Mom agreed and I showed her how short I wanted it, which was a bit above my shoulders at the time. Well, mom got a bit carried away, (not on purpose”>, and I literally had a bob cut! I was so shocked and disappointed at the time. However, that forced me to embrace my natural hair and was very empowering. It made me realize how unique my curls were, and how fun my hair could be!

How do you protect your curls at night?

Once my hair is styled with my favorite products, I just let it be. I’ve tried the “Pineapple” trick, but it doesn’t work for my hair. Usually, when my hair is styled juuuust right, I can sleep on it, get up, spray it with some water and sometimes some tiny bit of product and go. Sometimes I have to work some frizzy strands, but usually I can just let it be.

Who is your curl crush?

Emmy Rossum‘s full on curly hair. It’s got so much body and defined curls. Honestly, hair goals! Her hair really looks good long or short!

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

I cannot live without my Marc Anthony curl cream. It’s Sulfate, SLS, and Parabens Phthalates free. I’ve always struggled with finding a good curl cream (I hate gels and mousse”> and finally found one! I strongly suggest this one. Holy Grail find for me!

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

Marc Anthony’s whole curl line is incredible! Especially the shampoo and conditioner which is specifically designed for curly hair. I use a sizeable amount of the shampoo, lather it, and rinse. I then use the conditioner which is wonderful. When my hair’s super dry, I use this mid shaft to the ends of my hair, rinse slightly, and leave some of it in so it’s slightly slick. It leaves my hair feeling silky and hydrated. I then follow up with the curl cream and wrap it gently in an old t-shirt (this helps with the frizz and protects your hair. I then leave it in the towel for about five to ten minutes and let my hair go! My hair looks so defined beautiful! Using the three together really changed my curls for the better! I strongly recommend the Marc Anthony curl line.

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

Finding a shampoo and conditioner that doesn’t dry my hair out or make it feel brittle. I have a sensitive scalp, and finding product that worked with my hair plus didn’t make my head itchy was a challenge until I found my Holy Grail. People with non curly hair just don’t get it, the struggle is REAL!

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

Using an old t-shirt versus a towel or hair wrap after the shower. This was another game changer for me as well. It left my hair feeling and looking so much more defined and soft! It’s worth it for the results! Don’t throw away those old shirts!

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

Find what kind of curly hair you have, AND what works with you hair. What works for my hair won’t necessarily work for others. I would strongly suggest findings the product that works and give your natural hair another try! Curly hair is BEAUTIFUL!

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

I was born and raised in Hamburg/ Germany to Ghanian parents (who met in Germany”>. Most, Ghanians in Germany would relax their hair or get their hair braided in order to manage the hair more easily, and so did I. There were zero role models, I mean negative 10, no one that had my texture neither curly nor kinky hair, and was wearing it and knew how to take care of it. I received my first relaxer at the age of 8, at a professional shop, or at home. It was annoying, at times even painful process. I didn’t know any better but to get my hair relaxed every 2 months. At the age of 15 my friends and I did not enjoy wearing braids anymore, so that’s when we depended on weaves. If my hair was not done, it would create a slight panic in me.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?

Dyeing my hair was fun to me. It allowed me to change my look and see myself in a different light. The only issue was that I was relaxing my hair at the same time. After dyeing my hair at a cheaper shop than I had visited beforehand, I relaxed my hair and it fell out in big chunks. The hair didn’t stop falling out in masses, and I had no choice but to cut my hair completely off. I fell into the natural hair movement. I had no idea that there was a natural hair movement.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

Knowing that if I wanted to change my hair I could, but if I don’t I still have my God-given hair. The choice, allowed me to be free, with something so simple such as hair. That contributed to me not being bound to anyone’s time or schedule. Also, helping clients in my Aunt’s hair shop, by answering their questions, helping them with a regimen, and suggesting products. Many people didn’t want to believe me, that they could have healthy hair, even though they were enthusiastic about my hair. For so long I was in the dark, and sharing knowledge is light, knowledge is power! It is crossing continents, friends are helping each other, daughters are telling their mothers and grandmothers about it, and now parents are raising their daughters and sons immediately teaching them how to care for their waves, curls and coils. Knowledge is flowing upwards, downwards and sideways!

How do you protect your curls at night?

I use a silk bonnet, and or a satin pillowcase. Sometimes I can’t find either one!

Who is your curl crush?

Naptural 85. When I first saw her on my TV screen, I literally screamed “she has my hair !”. I had never seen anyone with a similar hair texture to mine before. She is unbelievably relatable, down to earth and knowledgeable. Fusionofcultures on YouTube, aka neffryfrofro is a fellow intelligent, self-starting, driven Ghanian living in London who teaches her audience about hair. Also Curly Proverbz is incredible. She is funny, knowledgeable, and uses ayurvedic hair treatments. I love them and many more!

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

Water and leave-in are the best. I have naturally dry skin and hair, so I need my hydration.

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

I try to switch my shampoo at least once a month, so my hair doesn’t get used to it and stops working. I use Olaplex Number 3 before I wash my hair . I tend to mix Olaplex 3, with Shikaikai, Amla and Reetha powder and add Olive oil to it distrubute it in my hair. Olaplex 4 and 5 are right now my favorite shampoo and conditioner to wash my hair. When I I deep condition my hair, I use Devacurl Melt Into Moisture and add a few drops of rosemary essential oil. My current leave-in are from Mane choice, or from Aphoghee Keratin, Green Tea Restructurizer, and my protein leave in every other week because I have high porosity hair. Sometimes I throw in a gel from Mielle Organics Honey Ginger Styling Gel. Every six weeks I try to do a protein treatment the Aphoghee 2 step Protein treatment.

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

During the first three years I didn’t know how to take care of my natural hair at all. I would wash my hair see it curl up and when it was dry, it was not just feeling dry, but the curl had left my hair. How to keep the curl after the shower was the question of the day. I mean come on, I saw it curl up in the shower. I had a friend do my hair for me for a month or so, every week teaching me everything. I applied the knowledge and added my own touch. Also, transitioning was a mental physical experience. India Arie’s Song “I am not my hair “really helped me to find balance. When I would feel uncomfortable with my hair , I had to strengthen my personality and shift the focus from hair to my spirit. You think everyone is looking at your bald head? Keep the eye contact, and focus on the conversation.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

I love incorporating ayurvedic methods such as, Shikaikai and Amla. When my hair was breaking off a lot, I boiled some green tea rinses, let it cool down and distributed all over my hair. After it soaked in for a while, I washed it out. I try to pay attention to the signs, there might be a product or ingredient that works for you for a while, it could start losing its effects on your hair or your hair might change. Deep conditioning with heat and adding rosemary essential oil and/ or tea tree oil has absolutely helped my hair grow. Game-changer! Water your hair like a plant while in the shower, I mean drown it. Once you out of the shower you have to see if your curl likes to be worked on damp or drenched hair. Protein treatments and trims are of the essence.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

You might as well figure it out. That’s the same thing you do with your makeup and style, you figured out what suits you! Either you hate the hair on your head and are frustrated and worried about something you can not change or you have to force-alter. Accept the fact that this is who you are, and get the most advice possible on the topic. Do not give up! There is beauty in the struggle, everyone started somewhere. At some point you will get to know your hair better. Just like you learned how to grasp everything else in your life. Don’t focus too much on it as if your life depends on it, because it does not. There will be good and bad days and your good days are coming. Do not focus on the timeline, rather make sure your keeping up with your regimen, the weeks will go by and you will notice a difference.

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Calling all Curl Bosses, Wave Warriors, and Coil Queens!

Every head of curly hair is unique and no two curls are alike. It’s like they speak their own language – Curl Language! Luckily, we speak curl and we’ve got @amandarrwalker, @indiabatson, and @justlikejackies to help translate your tresses with their own personal tips and tricks.

From lightweight picks for wavey babies to luxe creamy treatments for texture, these Curl Girls reveal their favorite Maui Moisture products – and some of their own beauty secrets, too.

Join the conversation at @mauimoisture #MauiMoisture #QuenchTheCurl

This post is sponsored by Maui Moisture.

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

I can honestly say I hated my hair. My mother unfortunately didn’t know how to manage curly hair so she combed my hair just like she combed hers which is straight. As a teenager I tried all kind of mousses and gels that just made my hair hard and always look wet (I hated it”>. It was probably after high school when I got a perm because someone told me it would relax my already curly hair so I could manage it better. Well needless to say that didn’t work. Later in my mid twenties I had a chemical straightener put in and that seemed to make all the curls disappear and the upkeep would be me straightening it everyday with a electric straightener. This was my daily ritual up until about a year and a half ago.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

I reached a point in my life that I began to do a lot of soul searching and praying. I started to realize exactly who I am and who God created me to be. I found the beauty in my original design and realized he made me in his image and for a purpose. I realized that in trying to hide my curls I was hiding my true identity. I identified my curls to a lot of hurts and pains that I went through in life and straightening my hair made me feel as if I was someone else. I had even felt I was two different people at times “curly haired Patsy,” timid, shy and very insecure about herself and “straight haired Patsy,” outgoing, fun and sure of who she was. I lived like this for so many years but I can boldly say now, “I’m proud of my curls.”

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

The most empowering moment of my natural hair journey is being secure in my own self. Realizing that beauty comes from within and not what society dreams as beautiful. Realizing that I’m someone special and God doesn’t make junk. About 3 months ago I did the big chop. I found a Deva Cut stylist in my home town. I have been using healthy hair products and I’ve seen my hair transform before my eyes. I’m still on my journey and I’m loving every step of the way.

How do you protect your curls at night?

I protect my curls at night by sleeping with a satin pillowcase and at times with a silk scarf. I have recently started every other day putting scalp oil and messaging my scalp for hair growth.

Who is your curl crush?

I have so many curl crushes that I admire and look up to @spisha , @honestlizhere, @graceloveandcurls just to name a few there are so many. They are all so informative and supportive. I always thank God that I stumbled upon the curly IG community.

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

Right now I’ve been very fortunate to be able to try a lot of different products from some amazing product distributors. So I’m still in the process of seeing which products work best for my curls, but right now I really couldn’t live without water and a light weight gel.

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’rsquo;d like to share?

My current hair regimen is washing my hair twice a week. I deep condition at least once a week for about an hour or so to keep moisture in my hair. I’m still new to my hair journey and still learning a lot so I’m having fun experimenting with different techniques and products to see what works best for me.

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

Most challenging moments was before my big chop. The transitioning stage from when you stop using straighteners and decide to go natural. I’m not going to lie there where a lot of times when I wanted to straighten my hair and just say forget it but I’m so glad I didn’t.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

They technique I use every time I style my hair now is applying my products on my hair when it’s soaking wet. I really feel when I apply the gel especially it gets saturated thought my entire head and of course scrunching it in. Also using deep conditioners and hair masques

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

Well I’m a lot older than a lot of the girls I admire so I’m wanting to really be a voice to older women like myself. You’re never too old to see the beauty in who your original design was created to be. Don’t let society define who you are. You are beautifully made and you deserve to walk with your head held high being proud of who you are.

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Growing up with textured hair made me feel unique. A lot of people in my family do not have my hair texture. My cousins I grew up with had more of a wavy texture. In school, a lot of the girls had relaxers in their hair or always had some sort of protective style. I always thought my hair was a lot of work and I used to only like how it looked when it was wet.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

When I was in 8th grade, I started watching youtube videos on how some girls were styling their curls/transitioning videos and I thought to myself, “this looks so beautiful, I want to start my own journey too.” Ever since the youtube videos, I have been embracing my curls and putting more effort into my hair.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

The most empowering moment of my natural hair journey is when I cut my hair almost near my shoulders so I could manage my hair on my own and transition to a more healthy curl pattern. When I cut my hair, I also gave away my flat iron and didn’t use heat in my hair for over a year!

How do you protect your curls at night?

I sleep with a satin pillowcase and I put my hair up using either a satin scrunchie or scarf.

Who is your curl crush?

I have so many! But one of my curl crushes would have to be Yara Shahidi!

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

A curly girl essential that I can’t live without would have to be my eco styler gel. I literally use it every day!

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

My current hair regimen would have to be; Cowashing using my all time favorite, As I am Coconut Co-wash. Then styling with the Curls bamboo protein treatment and avocado mousse from their Green Collection!

Some of my favorite products are the Hydrathermals protein leave-in conditioner and their curl defining gel. Also, As I Am Leave-in Conditioner and Curling Jelly.

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

At first, the most challenging moment was staying away from heat and staying consistent with my hair journey.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

I feel like me getting trims every few months really made a difference with my hair. Also, doing deep treatments in my hair weekly.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

Loving your natural hair doesn’t happen overnight, you have to have a lot of patience. Loving your natural texture will bring you such an overload of confidence in yourself! Every hair type is beautiful, own it!

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

It wasn’t easy growing up with coarse curly hair in South Korea. My hair always attracted people’s attention, not in a positive way. I stood out in the crowd so much that I felt like I couldn’t do anything wrong as a kid because everyone remembers me for my hair. Strangers would ask my mom or me why my hair is so curly. The older generation would make a comparison between a Korean singer whose father was African American and me. I think she was the only person they knew with such textured hair. (But both of my parents are Korean.”> Mean boys at school used to call me an alien. I remember feeling empowered, showing up at school with straightened hair. My friends would tell me that I looked so different and pretty that they couldn’t recognize me.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

I studied abroad in Mexico in college. For less than one year I stayed there, I heard more compliments on my hair than in my entire life in South Korea. Although I had straightened my hair before going to Mexico, people recognized my texture as it grew. I learned that my hair could be seen as beautiful, not just interesting and strange. It was a pleasant shock. I also made friends who had curly/coily/wavy hair and enlightened me about hair types, hair regimen, etc.

When I traveled to New York after the first semester in Mexico, I felt brave enough to try something that I wouldn’t dare to do in South Korea. I did my research and got box braids in Brooklyn. I was approached, praised, and photographed by so many people in NYC. Then I started thinking about how to respect and embrace my hair.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

I still feel a sense of achievement and self-respect every time I look into the mirror. Seeing myself with my natural hair and feeling comfortable with the image is empowering. I am finally confident and unapologetic in my natural hair, which was not the case while growing up and living in South Korea. Everything has been new and challenging for me without a friend, sister, or mom to teach me, but it’s worth it.

How do you protect your curls at night?

I used to wear a satin cap, but these days I make a high bun instead. It helps to style the next morning as well. I should probably get a silk hair cover for the night though.

Who is your curl crush?

Jasmine Brown (youtuber”> has amazingly healthy and voluptuous hair. I fell in love with her curls the moment I saw her!!! She pulls off so many styles as well.

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

Coconut oil. It smoothes my hair after washing and thus makes combing so much easier. Since my first challenge during the transition was combing my hair in a way that doesn’t cause extra damage, I appreciate anything and everything that helps detangling.

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

To be honest, I am still transitioning and trying to figure my hair regimen out. Currently, my hair wash day routine looks like this: I wash my hair with Cantu Complete Conditioning Co-Wash. If my hair feels extra-greasy, I use Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo instead. After I towel dry, I apply coconut oil and Cantu Daily Oil Moisturizer or Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Cream. I am considering incorporating 100% natural products in my routine though!

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

The most challenging moment of my natural hair journey was whenever I had an urge to straighten my hair permanently. My transitioning hair looked weird, and I didn’t know how to style it. I didn’t know what to expect when this process is done. I had to fight the temptation to go back to what was easier for me. Still, I think I’ve come this far because I have been living in the U.S. In South Korea, my self-image projected through other people’s eyes would have weighed on me even worse. In sum, I learned that I have to be brave, adventurous, and playful to complete the natural hair journey successfully.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

I find that wearing my hair in high bun styles is not only cute, but beneficial for my hair health. In the early stages of transitioning, it was hard to make a high bun due to the lack of length. Now that I am able to make a high bun instead, I feel like my ends are less damaged.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

I’m sure a lot of women with curly hair struggle regardless of their race, ethnicity, or nationality. However, I would like to gear my advice specifically towards women in a culture where coarse and kinky curls are extremely rare. This is something that I wish somebody had told me when I was young: You might feel like you are alone because you look different and nobody knows what to do with your hair, not even your mom. You might feel unpretty because people keep telling you that you look more beautiful with straight unhealthy hair. I want you to know that the world is big, that you will find a community even though it might not be where you are from, and that you look most beautiful when you love yourself.

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Like most girls who grew up with curly hair, I always wanted it to be straight. Friends and family would always make comments on how I look so nice with straight hair or how I needed to brush my hair… My mom loved my curls so she never bought me a straightener and whenever a friend of mine would straighten it she would be devastated. Since flat ironing it wasn’t really an option I would just just products into it to weigh it down. It was always super flat but I liked it because it looked longer.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

A really good friend of mine with super beautiful, long, blond hair said, “You know, anyone can have long hair, but not everyone can have curly hair.” After that, I stopped focusing on having hair I didn’t have and started learning about how to take care of my own hair. Since then I have found the curly hair community and have loved being part of it.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

When I was part of a curly exclusive photo shoot. I always felt like my hair had to be straightened in order to look good in pictures.

How do you protect your curls at night?

Pineapple with a scrunchie!

Who is your curl crush?

Spisha, marisacurls, and frizzandfrillzz.

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

Root clips, the Curly Co diffuser, and Olaplex 3.

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

I wash once of twice a week and use Innersense Color Awakening Hair Bath and condition with DevaCurl Decadence conditioner. Right after rinsing, I apply my Innersense Quiet Curl Cream and DevaCurl Arc Angel gel to my soaking wet hair with praying hands. I then use a t shirt to scrunch out extra water and apply root clips to give my hair some lift. I wait a little to let it air dry and then I defuse with the Curl Co diffuser with my head upside-down. Once it’s dry, I remove root clips and shake and scrunch. If I feel like I need extra hold, I will smooth some extra arc angel over and add some deva curl hairspray.

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

When I see all these other women with super thick and long hair I sometimes feel like my hair isn’t that great, but I just have to keep reminding myself that my curls are great in their own way!

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

Using Olaplex treatments on my hair every other week has been a huge help for my hair health!

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

Look for women who has a familiar texture to yours and learn how they style and take care of their hair. While I love and admire all curl types I would often feel like my hair wasn’t good enough when comparing to some women with different texture to mine. Take a lot of pictures along the way and become your own curl crush!

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Growing up, I hated my hair. I hated having, what I believed at that time to be, “nappy hair”. I’ve always had long healthy hair, and I would beg my mom to straighten it for every special occasion with the hot comb. I felt like straight hair was far more beautiful than the kinky coily puff I wore everyday. Finally, for my 14th birthday my mom agreed to let me get a relaxer.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?

When I was around 21, after 7 years of getting relaxers, I wanted a change. I was tired of dodging rain drops, I was tired of spending hours blow drying and flat ironing. I was over it! I decided that I no longer wanted a relaxer, and that I wanted to wear my hair in its natural state.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

By far, the most empowering moment was seeing the smile on my daughter’s face after my big chop. She pointed at my little puff and said, “Mommy, we look like twins now”. My daughter loves my hair! Whenever we are out and about and someone compliments my hair she says, “That’s not a wig, that’s my mommy’s natural hair”. I love seeing her seeing me loving my natural hair, and in return she’s loving hers as well!

Image Source: @2muchpuff

How do you protect your curls at night?

At night, I usually do the pineapple method. I place all of my hair in a ponytail at the front of my head, right above my forehead, and I cover it with a bonnet.

Who is your curl crush?

I have a few! Amber (@finally.amber“>, Neki (@xolovelifeox“>, Apple (@trinivixen1127“> and Jewellianna (@jewejewebee“>.

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

Omg, I cannot live without my bonnet! I love it! I forgot it at home while on my honeymoon and I begged my husband to let me sleep in his durag!

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

Right now, I am loving Natural Beautiii Haircare’s Rice Water and Hair Mask! I co-wash every Sunday, and I shampoo once every 6 weeks (or sooner if I have a lot of build up”>.

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

The most challenging moment has definitely been balancing my hair and my newborn. Natural hair is a full time job, add a newborn into the mix and you may lose your mind! I’m so blessed to have my son, but I’ve definitely had more “bad hair days” than before because I’m just too tired to tame my mane.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

One thing that I attribute to my hair health is my refusal to use any heat. Its been 3 years since my big chop, and I’ve never flat ironed or blow dried my hair. I’m so afraid of heat damage, so I avoid all sources of heat, PERIOD!

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

Our creator makes no mistakes, sis! Your hair is beautiful just the way it is. There’s no need in changing something that is already perfect!

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

I grew up in a time of kiddy perms and ultra sheen press and curls. My natural hair was constantly dry and never reached its full potential because people were always trying to keep it straightened. When my hair ‘went back’ I was teased for having an afro. Which was bad because I guess what it meant your hair wasn’t naturally straight and that was apparently bad. I got a perm and my hair completely fell off. I had to wear a twa in the 1980’s which was at a time when kids were cruel and judgemental.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?

I got tired of trying to make my hair acceptable for people both black and white, who felt natural black hair was a threat to their comfort. In the 12th grade, I ask my aunt to just cut it all off. That was in 1991. I kept it short for a year. I was very inspired by Vanessa Huxtable and her assemetrical afro. I got a tapered cut in 1993 and didn’t look back.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

Learning about the science of hair. Actually learning about what makes hair grow and keeps it healthy. Learning how to look at yourself and accept what comes out of your scalp and learning how to work with it not against it.

How do you protect your curls at night?

Silk scarf and every pillow has a satin pillow case.

Who is your curl crush?

I love my mom’s hair. The grey is so silvery and her hair is so springy and healthy since she stopped habitually pressing it.

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

Eco styler gel. Best gel period.

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

Since I have cut my hair again, I am all wash and go. I started to realize that we do WAY TOO MUCH styling to our hair with way too many random products. I now know my hair likes a simple regimen and the least amount of styling. When my hair was longer I had three go to hairstyles; wash and gos, buns, and flat twist. I really like Mielle Pomegranate Leave-in, Eco styler gel, and I wash my hair with As I Am or Herbal Essence Hello Hydration.

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

Keeping my hand out of my hair. That’s why I like my milk maid buns when I have length. Right now this twa is really cutting my styling time in the morning. Get your hands out your hair!

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

Styling my hair soaking wet. If you want curls your hair has to be soaking wet. Long or short.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

Accept your hair. Don’t fight your texture. No product is going to give you a texture of your dream unless your come to the realization your hair is your hair and no one elses. If you have 4c hair and want 3a, get a wig.

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.