Search Results: NaturallyCurly
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
What has your experience been like wearing your natural hair in the fashion industry?
My experience with wearing my natural hair in the fashion industry has been empowering. Empowering because I’ve been able to touch a vulnerable side of the industry. At first it was very tough being the natural girl with tightly coiled 4C hair. Always in a state of uncertainty showing up to a job because 9 times out of 10 the hairstylist has never worked with my type hair before. I’d do my hair the night before and make sure to come on job with supplies so that I can either fix or do my own hair. There was one time I had to call my mother to a job to come do my hair. Also, having to go through telling them no about straightening my hair or having to walk out with your head held high when you get told that your hair is to coarse. I have noticed that the industry is slowly evolving! Despite that I use it to keep me empowered. I’m going to keep pushing and helping with the movement by applying pressure so that black natural models will have stylist on set who can do there hair and have proper hair products for EACH type of hair texture. So they know when they walk on set that they will not have a botch job done. No matter where they are in there career they will be fully taken care of as they should be.
Who is your curl crush?
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Model – Jessica Fennix @jessicaashhleyy Represented by – Crawford Models NYC
What does natural hair represent to you?
Natural hair represents strength, and beauty. It represents power and resilience because of its historical presents. It’s a crown that I get to rock everyday, loud and proud at that.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
How do you protect your curls at night?
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?
What made you decide to embrace your naturally wavy hair?
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Image:@goodgravyitswavy
How do you protect your curls at night?
Who is your curl crush?
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
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?
What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
How do you protect your curls at night?
Image:@imadamejay
Who is your curl crush?
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
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?
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Image:@curlicue_lu
How do you protect your curls at night?
Who is your curl crush?
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
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?
What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
How do you protect your curls at night?
Image:@razoeempress
Who is your curl crush?
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image:@brunettewithbounce
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
What made you decide to embrace your naturally wavy hair?
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
How do you protect your curls at night?
Who is your curl crush?
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
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?
What made you decide to embrace your naturally wavy hair?
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Image: @fitmama_flyaways
How do you protect your curls at night?
Who is your curl crush?
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Image: @fitmama_flyaways
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image:@jaynellenicole
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
How do you protect your curls at night?
Who is your curl crush?
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image:@mymanecurls
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
How do you protect your curls at night?
Who is your curl crush?
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
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?
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
How do you protect your curls at night?
Who is your curl crush?
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
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 mum and Aunt both had very curly hair which I always loved. Mine had been curly as a small child and my mum used to finger coil it into ringlets, but as it grew the weight of it seemed to pull the curls out and I was left with lots of frizzy long waves. It was neither curly nor straight. Once I hit my teens I had it cut to below my shoulders with layers and started blowing it out with a round brush (desperately trying to re-create ‘The Rachel’”> hairstyles, but it was always frizzy. Straighteners helped for a while, but I didn’t ever suit straight hair although that became the most fashionable look, and as every curly girl knows, any hint of moisture in the air and the painstakingly straightened locks would turn to a mass of frizz.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly wavy hair?
One day when I was about 17 I randomly decided to see what would happen if I scrunched in some mousse and diffused my hair and I was shocked to find I had some curls and proper waves! I started adding some barrel curls with a curling iron to the top layers and I received so many compliments on my ‘curly’ hair that it became my preferred style. From then on I only straightened occasionally.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
It wasn’t until I was in a bit of curl funk after having my second baby that I decided to do a bit of online research into curly hair. I literally had no idea there was so much information out there about curls and I discovered the Curly Girl Method and was very intrigued by the idea of co-washing. But there is so much conflicting information on the internet about The CG method and approved products etc that I inadvertently spent almost a year co-washing and styling with silicone-laden products. I had still seen some progress in my curls but once I joined the Facebook Group ‘Curly Girls! (Conditioner-Washing Group for Women”>’ I realized I had made a false start. Thanks to the goldmine of knowledge and information and all the stunning curl inspo in that group I started the method for real in December ‘16.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I swear by my Puff Cuff or Invisibobble to pineapple my curls right at my hairline, fondly referred to as a Unicorn Pineapple. Then I use a buff over for most nights. I also sleep on a silk pillowcase so if I don’t wear my buff or if any curls escape, they are still protected. I love the added bonus of the silk being good for my skin too!
Who is your curl crush?
Oh, I have so many!! But one standout is Kelsey @lovelifecurls. She has the most gorgeous volume and shape to her hair #volumegoals. Also, I must mention Renee @brunettewithbounce for her beautiful ringlets, I’m a sucker for ringlets!!!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
It’s really hard to keep it to just one, but probably my invisibobble because it can be used to protect my curls just by popping them up in a pineapple either for working out or for overnight and then when I take it back down again my curls look exactly how they did when I put them up.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My routine varies but my current favorite co-wash is the pocket-friendly Garnier Ultimate Blends Almond Crush Conditioner. It’s an amazingly moisturizing, protein-free little gem of a conditioner! I try to deep condition twice a month and my 2 favorite masks are at either end of the price spectrum, Garnier Ultimate Blends Almond Crush Yoghurt Mask is inexpensive, but a great little protein free mask. My other favorite is the Mahogany Naturals Coconut Water Restorative Hair Mask which does have protein and is absolutely stunning in smell, texture, and results. It deeply moisturizes and strengthens without weighing down my fine curls. My favorite styling products at the moment are Aussie Instant Freeze Gel and CurlSmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm, both are absolutely brilliant products! I can use the Balm, which is a curl cream, without any hard hold gel or mousse over it, which is amazing to me! Finally, Olew Original which is my favorite oil blend to SOTC (scrunch out the crunch”>.
Image:@marisascurls
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I think being a CG beginner was extremely challenging. All the sciencey sounding ingredient names and the lists of good ones and bad ones are really overwhelming, to begin with, and it felt like I would never understand them or be able to know if a product was CG friendly without comparing every ingredient to a list. It takes time and effort, but learning to read ingredients is probably the most important thing you can do for your hair, and you’ll be amazed how quickly you learn what all the ingredient names mean.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Squish to Condish really has made a huge difference, taking the time to really work that conditioner and water into my hair and achieve that seaweed feel. I do find though that Squish to Condish can actually give me frizz because of all of the scrunching. But I realized that if I run a very wide tooth comb through my hair after I finish STC and then gently shake my head, it smooths away all the frizz and awesome clumps appear as if by magic.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Loving yourself in your natural state, whether that be your natural curls, makeup-free face or something else is one of the most liberating experiences. The transition period while your hair recovers and gets used to being looked after, can be just awful. But it is 100% worth it. Try and have bucket loads of patience, be consistent with your products rather than chopping and changing every week and try out some curly updo’s to get you through the transition period. Then be prepared for glorious waves and curls.
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 was so exhausting and discouraging. I had to get a perm routinely every 3 months or so and never really got a chance to wear my natural hair free of any chemicals since like….middle school (I believe”>. Exhausting because of the routine perm, having to heal scabs after the perm, keeping my hair as “healthy” looking as possible, and endlessly searching for a way to prevent the everlasting breakage I experienced for years. Discouraging because my hair never grew past a certain length no matter what I did. I started to believe that “black hair” just didn’t grow.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?
Watching natural hair YouTubers is what helped me to embrace my natural hair. Back in 2010, there weren’t many to look up to but the few who were out there helped me to keep fighting. I haven’t desired a perm since and now that I am a natural hair influencer myself my supporters help me to embrace it even more.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I think sharing my hair journey with my social media and YouTube channel is very empowering. I can’t say that I have had one moment, in particular, that was the most empowering, but I can definitely say that when another woman who looks like me expresses how much she appreciates what I am doing as an influencer I am so very encouraged.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I don’t really have a regimen per se. As a creative, I am always doing different things to my hair, but I think my night routine is the one consistent regimen that I have. It’s not only my night routine but something that I do when my hair is dry or when I feel that I can use some moisture.
How do you protect your curls at night?
To protect my curls at night I add water, a leave-in conditioner, moisturizer, and oil into my spray bottle, spray my hair (not too wet, but not too dry either”> and go to bed with a bonnet or silk head wrap.
Who is your curl crush?
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Haitian Castor Oil and Elasta QP Mango Butter Leave-In and Moisturizer.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
SHRINKAGE has got to be the most challenging AND annoying aspect of being natural, at least for me. My type 4 curls will shrivel up at the slightest hint of humidity and living in a humid state such as Florida makes the journey even more exhausting. I have refrained from straightening my hair for over 4 years because it would be an absolute waste. The minute I step outside my straight hair would revert right back to kinks and curls.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Deep conditioning and consistent moisturizing have impacted the health of my hair so much! When hair is dry and brittle it is prone to breakable, split ends and discourages growth. When I began to understand that I took deep conditioning and moisturizing more seriously and have honestly seen the fruit of my labor.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Although we, black and natural haired women, do not fit society’s standard of beauty, please be assured that their failure to realize the diverse beauty of hair does not and should not affect the way that you view your hair. Love yourself and if anyone cannot accept and embrace you at your most natural state then maybe they don’t deserve you, sis. Their loss.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image:2liv4curls
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Looking back, I never realized I had curly hair. I’d wash, blow dry and heat-style curls into my hair or try with all my might to blow dry it straight as it was just so unruly and unpredictable. When the ceramic “ghd” straighteners came out, my prayers were answered. Finally, I could fix the frizz. I straightened my hair religiously for 20 years!
More recently, on lazy days I would leave my hair wet add some type of texture spray and let it air dry. This would leave me with some stringy, loose waves but even then I would get compliments on how nice it looked. I would always shrug it off and think nothing of it. On one occasion, after I spent hours styling it, a work colleague asked me why I went to so much effort when I had naturally curly hair anyway. I responded saying this looks better!
What made you decide to embrace your naturally wavy hair?
It started as an experiment after a mishap. I left a ton of conditioner in my hair to protect it from the chlorine-filled swimming pool but didn’t end up not going swimming and it ended up air drying and when it did and my waves looked amazing. I was really confused as to what had happened and how it could look so good with so much product in it and after some internet research came across the Curly Girl Method and since then, I have been hooked on getting the best I can from my natural hair rather than trying to force it to do something else.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Embracing my natural texture has given me the healthiest, most gorgeous curls I’ve ever had. I spent so much time and effort trying to create “fake” curls that didn’t even look half as good as my natural ones and I never got half the compliments that I get now. I also love learning from other curly girls on social media. The curly community is such a supportive group who are all wanting to help everyone get their best hair! There’s no egos or nastiness — just love, support, and knowledge. I love how the curly movement is changing society’s mind that curly hair is untidy and should be hidden away. I inherited my curls from my nan who has hidden her natural curls for most of her life and I’d love for her to know that she is a natural beauty and doesn’t need to hide those beautiful, white curls anymore!
How do you protect your curls at night?
I have a satin scarf tied around my pillow and I also wear my hair up in a pineapple secured with an invisibobble. On days when I need a little extra protection, I will also slip on a Guff but I’m a bit too vain to do it every night! It doesn’t always stay on either so sometimes it’s more hassle than it’s worth. I do have a silk pillowcase and sleep cap on my wish list though!
Who is your curl crush?
All from Instagram top 10 in no particular order
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My Denman brush! When I first started CG my hair always looked tangled and frizzy no matter how much smoothing and detangling I did with my hands. When I discovered the Denman brush to distribute the product, encourage clumping, and smooth out the curls, I was skeptical first go, but loved my results and have been using it and raving about it ever since.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
Currently, I’m enjoying testing out products and techniques, but if I need a good curl day I’ll do the following budget routine:
When products are applied to each section I use my Denman brush. I start at the ends and smooth through the section then add a twist of the brush to encourage even more curl. I do this all over and when finished I then do lots of scrunching. I start with my hands then use the microfiber towel to remove moisture Before finishing with diffusing and root clipping. When 100% dry I SOTC with Argan oil and fluff the roots.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I’ve been really lucky and not really faced any challenges so far. I have a wonderfully supportive hairdresser who has been keen to learn about CG method and try it on her own wavy hair. I was worried about bleaching my hair for the first time since transitioning but with plenty of DC, support from social media groups and a hairdresser who listened to everything and it went really well.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
The Curly Girl Method, in general, has been a revelation and learning about the protein needs and tolerance of my hair. Using a Denman brush and not using silicone that coats and weighs down the hair has really helped the natural texture thrive.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Be patient, CG isn’t a quick fix. Don’t compare yourself to others – we are our own worst critics – whether you’re 2a, 4c or everything in between you and your hair is beautiful. Keep a journal to document your hair journey, take pictures and make notes about what you used and your results at least every washday. So you can see patterns and learn what is or isn’t working for your hair. Talk to other curlies – we are all individuals but there is so much information and knowledge out there, and everyone is so willing to help. There’s no such thing as a stupid question!
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 in a predominately white area was hard. I wanted my hair to look just like my friend’s effortlessly silky straight hair but I never realized how much damage my curls were enduring in the process. I got my first relaxer when I was in 6th grade. Up until college, my hair was chemically straightened. Once I started school, I began to realize the versatility of my natural hair.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?
I started my freshman year of college with weaves. I would straighten my leave out daily in between working out, going out, and forget to wrap my hair at night. I realized my hair was suffering. Leaving my hometown and growing into the person I’ve always wanted to be inspired me to embrace who I am wholeheartedly.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moment in my natural hair journey so far has been witnessing how I inspire my nieces and other close friends to embrace their natural hair.
How do you protect your curls at night?
If I have time, I usually double-strand twist my hair using my favorite curl cream and oil and sit under my dryer to make sure my curls are dry for the next day. If I’m in a rush, I’ll just pineapple my curls with my scarf and use a bonnet top protect my ends.
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crush would have to be Yara Shahidi or Tracee Ellis Ross.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Curls creams! I love a good cream that works as both a moisturizer and gel.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My current curl regimen includes pre-pooing with the DevaCurl Wash Day Wonder Pre-Cleanse Slip Detangler, washing with the Ajaá Naturals Lavender & Honey Coconut Moisturizing Shampoo, conditioning with The Mane Choice’s 3 in 1 Revitalize & Refresh Conditioner, using the Curly Chic’s Your Curls Conditioned Leave-in, Grape-seed oil, and then the Creme of Nature’s Hydrating Curling Creme.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Finding the best products for my dry scalp. I’ve tried so many different oils and butters, but Grapeseed oil is the only product that works!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
DEEP CONDITIONING!!! This is what gets my hair through the dry and cold winters in New York. I’ve also purchased a small overhead dryer that helps with deep conditioning and hot oil treatments.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Be patient and take the time to learn about your hair. Don’t compare your hair type to what you see online and on TV. Your hair is unique so embrace it!
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 didn’t know how to describe my hair growing up. I had frizzy, puffy, wavy hair that had a mind of its own. I envied every Herbal Essence commercial. I had my mom buy me their products wishing they would make my hair straight so that I could look “beautiful” as the women on the telenovelas. I kept my hair in ponytails and used a tub of dollar store gel to tame it. I was 12 when my mom had my hair straightened professionally for the first time. They used rollers, a blower, then an actual iron on my hair. An IRON! This direct heat left my hair laying lifeless, but I was hooked! I continued using heat because it was what I always wanted. I feared to get my hair wet because I didn’t want my hair to frizz up. I felt insecure whenever the humidity kicked up in Florida.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
My decision to embrace my natural curls was inspired by my kids. My two oldest girls would often see me straighten my hair, while at the same time, I was telling them their curls and coils were gorgeous. The blank stares they gave me in response told me they didn’t believe me. How could they? Here I was showing them I didn’t even like what grew out of my own head. I was scrolling through Instagram one day for inspiration on how to care for their curls and make them love their hair when I came across @hif3licia hair page full of tips and tricks on how she transformed her own heat-damaged hair into beautiful natural curls using the Curly Girl Method! It opened my mind to the idea that I could do this! I could inspire my kids to love their own curls by learning how to love my own!
Image:@justlikejackies
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I began the Curly Girl Method and studied everything I could find on the internet about how to restore my natural curls. It was a bit frustrating at first because my curls were non-existent. Heat-damaged, frizzy limp noodles is what I had and I had to accept that this would be a process and I could not rush it. After going to work for a few months with a halo frizz, half a head of somewhat wavy and straight pieces, I decided to get a Devacut. Afterward, I could not believe my ends were coiling, all my hair was curling; the hard work had paid off! I realized I didn’t need to yearn to have something that wasn’t naturally meant to be mine; I could be beautiful while fully accepting what God gave me!
How do you protect your curls at night?
I protect my curls at night by wrapping my hair in a satin scarf and sleeping on a satin pillowcase.
Who is your curl crush?
It’s no secret that @Hif3licia, my curl crush, became one of my close friends and I am grateful that she decided to start her page and inspire others. It has helped my girls and I immensely!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My diffuser! It’s how I achieve so much volume!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My current hair regimen is to use a gentle Curly Girl-friendly cleanser, deep condition, then style with a curling cream and strong-hold gel. Some of my favorite products I keep in the rotation are DevaCurl Supercream, DevaCurl Heaven in Hair Moisture Treatment, Bounce Curl Gel, CURLS Blueberry Bliss Hairwash, and Innersense Organic I Create Hold Gel.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
My most challenging moments have been the hair growth process. I want longer hair, but the longer it gets, the more time it takes to do my hair. As a busy working mom of three, I am not afforded as much time as I’d like so I try to keep my routine quick and simple.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Yes, deep conditioning one to two times a week made a BIG difference. I didn’t realize in the beginning that my hair was dehydrated. I never deep conditioned before or knew why it was needed. Dehydrated hair was the cause of my frizz I hated so much. Now I cannot skip this process because it has made a significant change in my hair health.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
I would encourage them to push past their insecurities and give themselves a fair chance to know what it feels like to love your whole self from the inside out. It’s not just about hair — once you embrace that small piece of you, you will see how confident you can become because you realize you have broken out of society’s standards of beauty.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
We were lucky enough to meet Kris Brooks coming out of private social club Soho House in New York. Brooks, a longtime NaturallyCurly community member, is a New York-based, world-touring professional musician, and has worked with performers such as Stevie Wonder, John Legend, and Mary J. Blige. She checked in from Australia, where she just finished up her second world tour with Sam Smith.
We checked in with her at the 13-month point to get an update on her loc journey. She shared the products and tools she can’t do without.
1. Essential oils
For the scalp and ends of hair. It’s always best to explore, to find the best one for your hair type/texture, but I find having a product with a handful of oils is easiest because you’re getting the great nutrients from a few different oils! My favorites are Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil and Tropic Isle Jamaican Black Castor Hair Growth Oil.
2. A gentle shampoo
My favorite shampoo — which doesn’t contain sulfates, parabens, or mineral oil – is Hair Rules Aloe Grapefruit Shampoo.
3. A good refreshing mist
When you’re on the go, it keeps your locs refreshed between washes, such as Jamaican Black Castor Oil Daily Hair Growth Leave-In Conditioning Mist. This product does have shea butter in it, which I’ve tried to stay away from (after this happened“>… But I find that this product is made so well, that the shea stays in liquid form, and actually melts in my hair, rather than building up.
4. A satin scarf
Not only does this help maintain my hair ‘do, but it also protects the actual fibers of my hair — especially those edges, ladies. The hair that frames your face is the most delicate. Unless you’re sleeping on satin and silk pillowcases every night, that cotton is gonna keep adding pressure to that delicate hair as you roll about in bed, and your hair will get weaker and weaker, and could eventually break off. We don’t want that. Protect ya edges! Here are some of my favs here, here, and here. And this leads into my last suggestion:
5. Lint-free towel
Lint can be a major and equally annoying problem in the loc community. It’s impossible to not get lint in yours locs — from the clothes we wear, to the drying cloths, and towels we use. However, you can prevent a lot of non-hair fibers from wrapping around your locs by using a towel fabric that has the least amount of shedding possible. Microfiber towels are AMAZING, yet not that great when it comes to the environment, in the way that they’re produced. If you want a more sustainable option, try bamboo towels, which are mold and mildew free, antibacterial, absorbent, and sustainable!
Do you have locs? What are some things that you’ve found you can’t go without? Share with us in the comments below! Embedded content: https://youtu.be/W418tH8STJA
Image:@curly.mamma
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
There were A LOT of tears! Tear shed started when I started getting bullied over my hair in elementary school. Then there were tears from getting a brush ripped through my curls, to the burn marks from trying to straighten out the curls. It was all incredibly frustrating. And in the end, I honed in my skills with a flat iron and very few people ended up knowing I had curly hair.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally wavy hair?
I recently had a baby and two things happened. One, I noticed I was getting bald spots along my hairline from wearing my hair up EVERY SINGLE DAY. Two, my daughter was about to turn a year old and I saw one single curl pop up on the back of her head and knew I just couldn’t watch her go through the same frustration that I had experienced my whole life. So I set out to find an answer of how to embrace and properly take care of my natural curls.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
100% helping other curlies!! When I discovered the Curly Girl Method I was in SHOCK that this knowledge had been around my entire life and I was just now learning about it!!! So I decided to start an Instagram account as my own little way of “shouting from the rooftops” that there is a way to embrace and love your curls!! Getting to help others see the beauty in themselves in their natural state is by far the most empowering and important thing I’ve ever done.
How do you protect your curls at night?
Most of the time I’m lazy and just pineapple it and sleep on my silk pillowcase. But if I’m really wanting my wash day to last I apply a bit of conditioner to my ends and tie it up in a silk scarf.
Who is your curl crush?
My first thought is to say Ayesha Malik, but the further I get in my journey the more I become my own curl crush! It may sound vain, but it has taken me my whole life to learn to love and embrace my curls and I’m not afraid to be prideful of them.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My Denman brush!!!! My hair never wants to clump and can really struggle with definition, but the Denman always comes to the rescue, giving me big juicy curls!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
Currently, I have been on an experimental kick! I’ve been switching it up and trying out a bunch of new brands and techniques, but my tried and true go-to routine is very simple! I wash with Not Your Monther’s Pink Shampoo, condition with GVP Conditioning Balm (this is my holy grail, I’ll never quit it”>, squish to condish and rinse, add a bit more gvp conditioning balm as a leave-in, brush through with the Denman brush, plop for 5 min, apply Moptop Curly Custard, a tiny bit of Aussie instant freeze gel, diffuse, scrunch out the crunch, and fluff!
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
100% figuring out my protein moisture balance, and that my hair hates coconut oil. I had about a month where I was in protein overload. My hair was so dry it felt like straw. It was brittle and breaking. Oh and the tangles!!! The tangles were the worst! I would spend about 45 minutes trying to detangle my hair in the shower. Most wash days would end in tears because I was so frustrated. I was on the verge of giving up, but then just at the right time, I read all about protein vs moisture and it completely changed the game for me! I figured out how to regain the balance and my hair sprang back to life! It was soft, defined, and most importantly…. not a tangled mess!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Squish to condish!! I didn’t realize that it could be so hard to get moisture into my hair. When I learned this method, struggling with moisture became a thing of the past.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Give yourself grace. Learn to love yourself for who you are, and not who you think the world wants you to be. You are uniquely and beautifully made, and the world needs you just the way 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?
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.
