Search Results: NaturallyCurly
Image:@curlissima
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Both of my parents have very thick, coarse, curly hair so at least I wasn’t the only curly in my family! But my curls are very different than theirs so they could only offer me so much help. On top of not knowing how best to care for my curls, I grew up in a predominately white community and never felt like I fit in. I couldn’t change my coloring or my bone structure. But I could control my hair. So that’s what I did. By 14 years old I had become a slave to the flat iron and wouldn’t be caught dead outside without straightened hair. Then I met my first serious boyfriend when I was 16 and he preferred my hair straight, too, which just reinforced my insecurities about my natural texture. I maintained my flat iron addiction for 10 years.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
It really all came down to self-love and living authentically. I wanted to love my genuine, authentic self more. Deep down I knew that letting myself be influenced by the pressure to conform to society’s beauty standards was unhealthy. When I broke it down and asked myself the tough questions, I realized that in order to love myself fully, I needed to let go of Western European standards of beauty and embrace my own ethnic background, which was to thank for my crown of curls. I had to stop denying who I am. And who I am is a beautifully mixed-race, curly-haired mutt!
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Starting my curly hair blog on Instagram has been a very empowering part of this journey. It’s helped me engage with the wonderfully supportive curly community there. It’s a safe space where I can share my “wins” and my “fails” with others who understand the struggle and don’t just think I’m being silly or vain! Everyone knows it’s about SO much more than hair. It’s helped me in so many ways to not lose hope and stay motivated on this journey. And as I’ve progressed, I’ve realized that little old me could actually be a source of inspiration to other curlies, which was an amazing feeling! Embracing my curly hair on a social media platform has helped me become comfortable being unapologetically me in all aspects of my life.
How do you protect your curls at night?
To protect my curls, I sleep in a satin bonnet on a satin pillowcase. This has been the silver bullet to extending my time between wash days!
Who is your curl crush?
I have SO many curl crushes! Truly too many to list here. So if I had to pick just one… Sanne (@curlsandblondies“> has absolutely stunning curls and gives really helpful hair tips. But I also really connect with and am inspired by how she encourages self-love.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I don’t think I could live without my hairdryer and diffuser. My hair takes a lifetime to air dry and I can’t get a fraction of the volume or tightness in my curls without diffusing!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I deep condition, wash, and style twice a week. I prefer to deep condition as a pre-poo so that my low-porosity, fine hair doesn’t get weighed down. My favorite deep conditioner right now is the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque. It provides an amazing balance of protein and moisture that my hair just loves. Then I wash and condition. Recently, I’ve been loving the Not Your Mother’s Naturals Curl Defining shampoo and conditioner. Then I style with CURLS Crème Brûlée Whipped Curl Cream and Pantene Curl Defining Mousse. This mousse gives amazing shine, volume, and definition with a lightweight, soft hold that still maintains for several days with minimal refreshing. To finish, I diffuse dry. Recently, I’ve become a huge fan of the Curly Co. Collapsible Diffuser, but I also really like the Xtava Black Orchid.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging part has been being patient through the transition when it feels like every day is a bad hair day. It’s easy to get frustrated and throw in the towel. It’s hard enough just going to work or school with your transitioning hair, but when a special event or trip rolls around it’s like your commitment is being tested all over again for the first time! You think, “This trip/event would be so much easier if I straightened my hair.” Or, “I don’t want to be in pictures with my hair looking like this. Maybe I should just straighten it.” So to overcome that urge, you really have to recommit to your long-term hair health goals. You have to stop being your own worst critic and you have to not let what anyone what else thinks to bother you either. And that’s so much easier said than done!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Deep conditioning twice a week has really made a difference in my hair health. Also, the “squish to condish” technique and “pulsing” a.k.a. “scrunch + pump” technique when styling have both been game changers for me. And, of course, good sleep protection truly is vital to preserving your curls for multiple days!
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
“When you feel like quitting, remember why you started.” You can see this through. You can reach your healthy hair goals. It might be tough now, but it WILL be worth it. You didn’t damage your hair overnight, right? So you can’t expect it to recover quickly either. Give yourself time. Be patient. You deserve to love yourself exactly as you were made. So stay strong and don’t give in to the pressure to conform to society’s beauty standards, or your friends’, or your boyfriends’. If you want to embrace your naturally beautiful self then keep going!
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 the ’70s and ’80s was a challenge. I had weekly hair appointments at my grandmother’s house so she could wash, comb it out, “straighten” it, as well as braid my hair in two pigtails for my mother for the coming week. I stayed away from swimming pools or beaches for fear my real texture would come peaking through. I loathed the humidity and literally learned to detect it immediately by sticking my head out the door. If my hair frizzed then predictably the forecast would read humidity. My hair never failed me!
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
After years of relaxers, my hair simply could not take the harsh chemicals any longer. At the age of 40, my hair began to thin and break off. It was at that point my stylist strongly advised me to avoid chemically straightening my hair. I stopped immediately for fear of losing my hair and began what is now known as the transitioning process. I simply dealt with the two textures until my hair was completely grown out of the relaxer. This process took me approximately eight months.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I would have to say the second phase of my natural hair journey. After first returning to natural and proudly wearing my naturally curly texture, my hair became severely damaged due to medication I had to take. At that point, I had to make the bravest decision (in my opinion”> of my life and “big chop” my hair. I went from having shoulder-length curly hair to a little over an inch of hair on my head. I really had to dig deep and pull all my mental resources together to wear this hairstyle proudly. It was a very difficult time for me.
How do you protect your curls at night?
At night I secure my mid-length hair in two “pineapples”. I place one on top of my head and the other at the nape of my neck. I also sleep on a silk pillowcase.
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crush, of course, is my daughter, the other half of our M.A.D.CURLS duo and @itstayloranne on Instagram.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I would say an essential for me is any conditioner that has slip. It is a necessity to avoid unnecessarily pulling and tugging my hair, causing split ends, and worse yet, irreparable damage.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My current hair regimen is simply washing or cowashing my hair as often as my schedule demands. I make hair tutorials for my YouTube channel so my hair regimen changes weekly if not daily. The one consistent thing I do and will not waver from is to give myself PLENTY of time to detangle my hair. I refuse to recklessly yank and pull tangles out of my hair in an attempt to speed up the process, as I once did. I have learned valuable lessons that taking your time….leaving yourself enough time to do the job is the key to beautiful, healthy hair.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moments have been those times when you see division creep into a community that started out as “all inclusive”. This division at times based on hair typing is one of the saddest moments to witness. I came from a generation of divisiveness. I believed that the natural hair movement had moved past that. But I have found sadly, there’s still work to be done.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
When I mastered how to “refresh” my hair that was a revolutionary moment for my hair journey. The daily washing came to a screeching halt! I embraced the frizz, the big hair, and the bigger hair! My hair was healthier and looked it! It was the best technique and I couldn’t wait to share on our M.A.D.CURLS channel. What I learned from my personal “trial and error” and passed on was to wait 3-5 minutes after spraying your refresher spray in your hair to let it “set” before scrunching out your curls. It’s brilliant!
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Do not compare! Never compare your hair texture with anyone else’s hair texture even if it is a close family member. “Comparison is the thief of joy” and it truly is. If you are constantly wishing your hair looked like someone else’s or curled like someone else’s you won’t even enjoy your own hair which is unique to you. You were beautifully and wonderfully made. Appreciate who you are and what you bring to this natural hair movement. Each natural “head of hair” is different, as well as each journey.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
If you have textured tresses, your battle with frizz is a daily challenge, and one that is rarely victorious. Wavy, curly, and coily girls alike dream for the day of perfectly frizz-free hair. Here’s your chance to get rid of frizz in just seven days! Put it to the test; give your curls the seven-day challenge.
Day 1: Out with the old!
Dump all of your alcohol-laden stylers, sulfate-based shampoos, and silicone-filled serums.
Drying alcohols found in a host of styling product can cause the cuticle to swell up, and the hair to frizz. Sulfate-based shampoos rob your tresses of its much-needed natural oils, another culprit of frizz. Ditch these duds and shop for products that are formulated with natural ingredients, and free of drying alcohol, sulfates, silicones, mineral oil and other articifical fillers.
Tip For Curly Textures
Stop by your local health food store and pick up a bottle of pure aloe vera gel. This is a great replacement for drying gels, and you can use it to define and hold your curls, and control frizz.
Day 2: Whip that hair!
Book an appointment to get a much-needed hair trim. Make sure the stylist you select is experienced with caring for textured hair. Damaged, sparse, straggly ends are not only unattractive, but they also add to the frizz factor.
Tip For Coily Textures
To ensure an accurate cut (especially when you are visiting a stylist for the first time”> shampoo, condition, and seal the hair with a natural oil two days before, and let your hair completely dry. On the day of your cut, gently blow dry your hair with a vented brush on low heat just enough to stretch your coils.
Day 3: Heat things up!
Frizz happens when dry, porous hair sucks up excess moisture in the air. Give yourself a deep treatment with heat to help seal in moisture, and prep your hair for frizz-free locks. To maximize the conditioning affect, warm up a helping of pure jojoba, olive or pomegranate seed oil, and mix with your conditioner. Be sure to leave it on for at least five minutes.
Tip For Wavy Textures
To avoid limp, lifeless hair, apply the conditioner at least 2″ from the roots.
Day 4: Use a DIY treatment
This easy, homemade recipe is my favorite deep conditioning treatments.
Milk and Honey Hair Smoothie
1 can of pure coconut milk (rich moisturizer – hydrates, conditions and de-frizzes hair”>
1 ripe avocado (natural source of protein – chemical processes rob the hair of protein”>
2 tablespoons of pure honey (conditions and adds sheen”>
2 tablespoons of olive oil (fatty oil that moisturizes and conditions dry hair”>
Directions:Add ingredients to blender. Mix at high speed until your concoction reaches a smoothie consistency. Generously apply evenly to hair, from root to ends, concentrating on ends since they are the most prone to damage. Rinse.
Day 5: Seal in moisture and protect
Wavy, curly and coily textures alike should seal in moisture, with natural oils, regularly. The act of “sealing” your hair locks in moisture and prevents breakage and dryness. After you cleanse and condition your hair, rinse and re-apply another thin layer of conditioner. Detangle and blot dry with your microfiber towel. Before styling, apply a layer of your natural oil of choice.
Tip For Wavy Textures
Opt for a light oil that won’t weigh down your hair, or loosen the waves. Pure jojoba oil most resembles the oil produced in our scalp.
Tip For Curly Textures
Opt for a medium-bodied oil with additional benefits. I prefer pure Tahitian Monoi de Tahiti and pomegranate seed oil.
Tip For Coily Textures
Opt for rich, dense butters that melt down into a creamy oil. These butters will add the conditioning, weight and protection dry, coily hair needs. I suggest pure mango and shea butter.
Day 6: Try new tools of the trade
A curly girl’s ultimate goal is to banish frizz. However, some of our tools of the trade can actually create frizz and breakage. It’s time to make a change!
That old trusty terry cloth towel you use to dry your curls actually creates frizz and breakage. Those minuscule loops that make up the bulk of the towel captures and snags hair. Opt for a soft t-shirt, or my personal favorite, a microfiber towel.
I highly recommend air drying hair. However, when this is not an option, use an ionic blow dryer with a diffuser attachment. While the jury is out on the scientific proof that ionic blow dryers prevent/reduce damage, the general consensus is that they do reduce frizz.
Invest in your daily staples, the tools that touch your hair the most often.
Detangling comb: If you aren’t the disciplined curly that only uses her fingers to detangle (don’t feel bad, I never quite got the hang of this either”>, invest in an wide-toothed comb made out of pliable material. It’s important that your detangling comb gives as it glides through your hair to avoid unnecessary tugging and breakage.
Smoothing brush: If you are a fan of rocking protective styles, you will definitely need a good quality natural boar bristle brush to smooth your hair, edges and roots. Cheap bristles can damage the hair shaft and cause split ends.
Day 7: Style like a curly pro!
The key to a great curl day is a great hair care regime. Incorporate the following steps into your regime for optimal results.
Cleanse
Condition
Seal in moisture
Style
This article was written by Mahisha Dellinger, founder of CURLS. This article was originally published in October 2013 and has been updated.
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up with textured hair my hair was a project haha. It always had to be “done” and typically that meant the straightening comb or two braids. I remember envying the girls who had straight hair and could roll out of bed, brush their hair and be on their way. I always wanted straight hair. I used to sit on YouTube and watch girls straighten their hair; one year all I wanted for Christmas was a Chi straightener hoping it would make my hair look like theirs. I hated pools and anything that required me to get my hair wet because it would poof up. I was so excited in high school when I could get my first relaxer, because my hair never got as straight as the girls with naturally straight hair. Growing up I didn’t like my hair at all and always wanted something I couldn’t have.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I actually had no choice but to embrace my natural hair. Back in 2010 when I returned natural, I had been relaxing and dying my hair and it all fell out! My hair went from down my back to around my ears. So I had to stop relaxing and dying it. I didn’t know I was “returning natural” I just knew I had to stop doing what I was doing to my hair. As the months and years went on, my hair began to transform and I had no desire to relax it. I loved my curls as did so many others and I felt confident! I had no idea what my hair could really do or what it could really look like because I had spent so many years trying to change it. I was amazed.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moment for me was when I realized that I actually was beautiful with curly hair. After growing up wanting straight hair so bad, to look in the mirror and love what was coming out of my head and not wanting to change it was an amazing feeling! I felt like I was beautiful and unique and I stand out more with my curly hair than I ever would have with straight hair. I find it so crazy how women with straight hair now love and want my hair when it used to be the other way around. What’s also empowering is being an influencer and being able to help others on their journey to self-love and loving their natural hair! It’s a beautiful thing! :”> I love being able to do it with my Mom as well! You’re never too old to start!
How do you protect your curls at night?
I protect my curls at night by doing the “pineapple” method. I bring all my hair to the top of my head into a large ponytail and I sleep on a silk pillowcase.
Who is your curl crush?
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My curl essential I cannot live without is my Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle. It makes detangling a breeze and my hair super soft. I always say if I could only use one hair product for the rest of my life, it would be that one.
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?
The most challenging moment of my hair journey came in fall 2017 when my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I thought I was taking it well, but I wasn’t and was internalizing a lot. Well, it manifested itself in my hair and the distress I was feeling made my hair fall out. Everything I had grown and nurtured since 2010, was coming out in handfuls and shedding. I ended up having to get a haircut and I was really upset about it because I couldn’t stop it. No matter how calm I tried to be, I had no control over my emotions and this made my hair come out. Now in fall 2018 I am back on track and my hair is pretty much looking like it did before it fell out, so I am happy I overcame that.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Yes; when I began to section my hair during detangling and styling, it completely changed the game for me. I went natural in 2010 and I would say up until 2017 I never sectioned my hair; I just detangled as a whole and slapped products in during styling. Sectioning during detangling can cause less breakage and damage to the hair. When I began sectioning my hair to apply products I found that my wash and go’s were much better.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
To love yourself. You are beautifully and wonderfully made and God created you as you are. Don’t compare your hair or yourself to anybody! You are unique!
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 hard as I never had any role models — such as friends or family — around me with my type of texture. All my cousins had thicker hair type 4 hair and I was the only one with finer, loose curls! I didn’t really know what to do with my hair — I usually had it up in a ponytail or just wild and free.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I was tired of curling my curly hair with heat and was inspired by all these beautiful curlies on the internet rocking their natural curls and decided I needed to put down the heat and LOVE my curls!!!
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
When I had my first curly haircut! Just WOW! I had a lot of stuff going on in my life and just one day decided I’m just going to get a cut! I loved my length and kept holding onto it even though it was not healthy. Having that cut made me feel free, strong, and ready for whatever challenge is thrown at me next! “A women who cuts her hair is about to change her life.”
How do you protect your curls at night?
At night I either use an oversized bonnet or a Buff, but recently I have turned to a silk scarf, which is working amazingly well!
Who is your curl crush?
It has to be @charmsie; she inspired me to embrace my natural curls! She is also a fine-haired curly like me and her YouTube videos literally saved my curls and I absolutely love her!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Oh, that’s hard; I have so many! It has to be my hair picker! You know I need that volume in my life!!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I wash my hair 2-3 times a week and deep condition one or two times a week! Being a full-time athlete, it is hard to manage my curls. With training, I get sweaty all the time. I have so many favorite products, but my go-tos are … Jim + Henry EIGHT, Witch I Love Your Magic Mist, Righteous Roots, DIY Flaxseed Gel, and Only Curls. I also love the Bounce Curl Gel and Cantu Activation Cream combo! Another amazing go-to combo is TGIN Green Tea Super Moist Leave-in Conditioner paired with Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Mousse – my results are always popping!
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moment of my journey is when I first started. I was using products that were too heavy for my hair and I didn’t understand why they didn’t work for me. Being on my natural hair journey has definitely taught me a lot! I feel like I’ve learned so much and have enjoyed every single minute of it — even the downs!!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Finger coiling has helped me so much! This has trained my curls to get them more defined. I recently went back to using the Denman brush and have fallen back in love with it! I used it last year and wasn’t a fan, but now that my curls have gotten healthier, it works amazing.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
When I first started my healthy hair journey, I did not like my fine curls. I used to see pictures of all these curlies with big, beautiful, curly, thick hair and I use to be like wow, why can’t I have hair like that! Now I have accepted that I have beautiful, fine, defined curls that I can do so much with! I feel extremely blessed that I have been given these lovely curls. My advice would be to be patient and find other role models with your texture and see all the different styles you can do with your hair.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image: @ahfro_baang
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up with textured hair was really fun for me. I started styling my hair at 10 years old, and I’ve always felt it was a satisfying form of self-expression. My mother allowed me to do my own styles, and that sort of creative freedom with hair is exciting when you’re young.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moments of my natural hair journey have come through watching the natural hair community grow — seeing so many girls and women embrace an aspect of themselves and drawing inspiration from that. It’s a beautiful thing.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I generally tie my hair up into a high bun and sleep in my Mane Choice bonnet.
Who is your curl crush?
Who isn’t my curl crush?! I love all of them. Every single one for different reasons (e.g.; styling techniques, natural remedies, tips, product knowledge etc.”>
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I’d have to say a pick. Picks are MAGICAL creatures.
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?
Being patient. With styling, growth, and change I have to remind myself what the journey is about and that each moment is one to enjoy.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Maintaining a healthy hair routine is the key to optimal hair health. Regularly deep conditioning hair, learning how to retain moisture, getting regular trims, seeking professional advice for color and chemical changes to the hair, etc. Staying on top of these habits, you thereby set your hair health up for success.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
My advice is “Do what you want.” I don’t interfere. I think everyone’s timing is different and I don’t judge women for whatever it is that they do with their hair. I think it’s a woman’s choice to do whatever it is that she wants to do with her hair. It’s her freedom.
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?
Clueless and always unstyled! Those are the best words to describe how I grew with curly hair. Later on, being the daughter of a hairdresser, my hair was always relaxed with keratin and straightened!
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
My hair was tired! Just fried, and so short because I kept trimming damaged ends. One picture that I took on a humid day made me realize how ugly my hair was already. Also, having a curly daughter made me realize I don’t want the same for her. So I decided to search about curly hair and learned how to treat it. My husband supported me a lot since day one of transitioning!
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I started the Curly Girl Method! Life changing! I was completely clueless about curly hair and “The Curly Girl Handbook” gave me directions. I began in August 2017 and in September received a haircut. It was a regular cut — just taking away a few inches. Still, my hair was shoulder length. My hair began the transformation and in July 2018 my mother gave me an amazing cut with layers, which has helped with volume, shape, and definition.
How do you protect your curls at night?
Pineappling — it has been a life-changing method! I’m able to last all week without doing a thing to my hair! I wrap my hair with a satin scarf.
Who is your curl crush?
My future me! I’m looking forward to being my own crush, but definitely, my curls inspiration is Felicia Jones @hif3licia on Instagram.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Do I really need to choose one? I can’t live without conditioner, my satin scarf, or without a detangling brush. I’m loving the Denman brush.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
Currently, I co-wash and detangle my hair with any Not Your Mother’s Naturals Conditioner. I’m having a special love with the new black one (charcoal and bamboo line”>. After that I deep condition with any Shea Moisture or The Mane Choice deep hair masks. To style, I use the rake and praying hands method and use the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Leave-in, SheaMoisture Coconut Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Herbal Essences Gel. I must say that recently I styled with The Mane Choice Tropical Moringa Leave-in and Tropical Moringa Sealing Cream and I was completely obsessed with my results. I diffuse with the Dyson Supersonic and then scrunch out the cast with a few drops of Camille Rose Growth Serum.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
When my hair has different textures! Trying to find the right products and use the correct amount of them! Also, as I mentioned before, since I’m from a family of stylists, it was a challenge to hear the comments of the people who were used to seeing me with straight hair.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Many! Here are a few, starting with not brushing or detangling curly hair dry. Others: Applying products in soaking wet hair by sections. Deep conditioning every week. Pineapple at night. Using the praying hands method and scrunching out the crunch.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
To be free. Be yourself. Embrace your natural hair and skin! Pamper yourself. Feel good with yourself. Put yourself first and then the world. Have patience and deep condition 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?
Growing up, I always remember wash days as being awful. I remember lots of screaming and tears. My hair was thick and I remembered wishing it was smooth like my classmates who all had relaxers. I never knew how to do my hair myself and after a while, my mom gave up and had my hair relaxed.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?
One weekend my sister, @kimcurly23, came home from college for the weekend and she showed me videos with @mahoganycurls, @naptural85, and other natural hair youtubers. I was blown away because having natural hair was literally something I had never even considered. I loved how they were doing their hair themselves and using natural products to make diy products. All this was amazing and all new to me. I transitioned for about 4-6 months I think, then after a disaster with some ground almonds, I tried making almond milk and I decided to big chop.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The day I did my big chop was and still is the most amazing day in my natural hair journey! I felt so scared at first, but a man on the street told me I looked like “a natural empress” and for some reason, it cheered me up! I felt like a whole different human. I felt so liberated like this was the first time I was being my true self!
How do you protect your curls at night?
I never go to bed without a satin bonnet.
Who is your curl crush?
My sister- @kimcurly23
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter and Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Exfoliating Shampoo
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I clarify once a month with an acv and water mix and I shampoo once per week. I believe that a clean scalp is one of the most important steps in growing healthy hair. Mielle Organics Mongongo Shampoo and the Do it “FRO” The Culture Mane Choice Shampoo are current faves. I deep condition bi-weekly based on the needs of my hair. So if it feels mushy then I sub my moisture deep conditioner for a protein treatment. I love the new Camille Rose Oud Rich Infusion Deep Conditioner for moisture and for protein I add a bit of my diy Ayurvedic herb mix to any deep conditioner. My favorite leave-in is the Natty Naturals Leave-in. It has tons of slip and is readily absorbed. For stylers, I tend to reach for my Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter, Oyin Boing or the Mielle Organics Pomegranate and Honey Curl Twisting Soufflé.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I permanently colored my hair and that has really set back my journey. I had a lot of fun being a redhead, but now the color is almost completely gone and I don’t think I’d ever color my hair again because it really loosened my curl pattern.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Deep conditioning with a plastic cap on plus my thermal hot head cap has really made a great impact on my hair! I find that moisturizing my hair and scalp and adding oil on top makes my hair soft and lessens friction which in turn reduced breakage.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Find what works for your hair type and I promise you’ll love your texture. I suggest following women with a similar hair type on social media. They can share tips on how to best care their 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?
Growing up with curly hair was interesting. I didn’t know I had curly hair for years because my mom would brush my hair and put it in a ponytail before I got on the school bus every morning, and after school, it would still be up for sports. I cried because it was so tangled and it hurt when my mom brushed it. I have very thick hair and it would take about 20 minutes every day just to untangle it and by that point, it was just a big poof. I didn’t know I had curly hair until around 13 years old when I did the big chop with the cutest pixie cut and it just grew out completely curly and I was now responsible for styling it.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally wavy hair?
In my senior year of high school, I was watching all of these television shows like Will and Grace and Sex and the City with these gorgeous leading ladies with curly hair. Sarah Jessica Parker and Debra Messing were my inspiration. Lorde just came to the music scene and everyone in my school thought her hair was so cool and I would say “I have that too”, but a the time I didn’t from the damage of straightening and I wanted to be “cool” too. So this desire to be cool really changed my life because now I’m more of myself and me then I’ve ever been.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I did the big chop in 2016 and realized that I didn’t need hair to feel beautiful. I didn’t need long, straight hair to feel myself and sexy. As my hair grew out, I learned what it needed and it sort of felt like I was learning what I needed for myself. Once I realized all of this information on curly hair, people would come up and ask me “what do you do?” So, I started my curly “insta-blog” @curly.bailey and I’ve helped thousands of people embrace and learn to love their hair all while still being my complete self on social media which can be hard. The biggest thing I get from my followers is “thank you for being you and thank you for helping me love and embrace my hair”
How do you protect your curls at night?
I sleep with my hair just sort of out and about. I’ve tried the satin and silk pillowcases, bonnets, and scarves, but it’s always bothered me when I sleep. So I just wake up and touch up curls or areas that need it. If you have a good wash day and product line up, your days to follow will hold up!
Who is your curl crush?
Definitely Debra Messing in the first season of Will and Grace! I loved Sarah Jessica too! It was the 90s and they were just thriving with those curls! Also, I help “curly mentor” a girl named Ava Deharo. She’s 14 and I wish I was smart enough to start my curly journey when I was her age! She is so great and my curly hero for embracing her natural hair at such a young age! When you’re young all you want to do is fit in sometimes, and she’s embracing who she is and that’s amazing!
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?
Now, I don’t need a lot of product since my hair has been so healthy, but they don’t call me a product junkie for nothing. My favorite combo is a cream, gel, and mousse in that order. Rizos Curl Defining Cream is my ride or die cream! For gel, I love Jessicurl’s Spiralicious Gel, or Innersense I Create Hold Gel. For mousse, I love Innersense Volume Foam or Dippity-Do Girls with Curls Mousse. A lot of people are shocked that I do mousse last, but try it!! You won’t regret it! It’s such a lightweight product, I couldn’t imagine putting it before gel which is such a heavy holding product.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The comments I get from people. I’ve heard everything under the sun, from “you look like you got electrocuted“ and “did you stick your finger in a light socket” to “your hair looks like a Christmas tree”. It’s hard to feel sexy and confident when people don’t get curls or natural frizz that comes along with it. I remember it’s my natural hair and apart of me so I embrace myself fully.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Deep conditioning once a week has changed my life, it really hydrated my curls back to life and really trial and error. That’s not technically a method, but you’ll find what works best for your own hair if you try. You may find someone with the same exact shape, or color, or length or similar pattern, but their routine may not work for you. That’s why I’ve never asked anyone with a similar pattern to my hair what they do. We share and talk, but I have to figure what works for me. Also, the mousse after the gel was a game changer!
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
I know it’s hard, but what’s harder is trying to fit in, it’s harder to change yourself and your hair to fit a standard that’s not you. What’s easy is when you finally embrace yourself and everything about yourself which includes your natural texture. It’s a beautiful life when you fully embrace yourself. You’ll have a fulfillment inside you, you never thought you needed. Give it a try, and find out. If you don’t like it, you can go right back, but that connection with yourself and your hair is something you owe yourself.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
How would you best describe your hair?
Transitioning
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up with textured hair was difficult. I did not realize how important my curls were up until a few years ago. My mom wasn’t very accepting of my curls either, forcing my hair to go through lots of relaxing and straightening and blowdrying. In school curly hair wasn’t even cool or acceptable. I went to a school in Bayonne, NJ, where most people had nice, straight, soft hair so whenever I pulled out my curls I’d be mocked and ridiculed. It wasn’t until natural hair became a trend that I started feeling fully accepted.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
After seeing a lot of curly hair transitions, I figured why can’t I do it? I started looking at everyone else’s curly stories and even read through the whole NaturallyCurly website to make sure I was doing this right. I knew patience would be key, but I finally felt ready to let go of the straightener and fix all this heat damage.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I’ve been working in a professional business environment since I was 17 and due to the mocking in school, I was always scared my big hair would not look professional for work. Once I started wearing my damaged, natural hair to work, it was very empowering. It was a “hey this is me, this is what’s happening now” kind of moment and I loved it. It took me a while to feel comfortable in my own hair, but patience and a growing confidence helped me through it. I was able to learn curly hairstyles and what works for me.
How do you protect your curls at night?
At night my favorite way to protect them is by putting my hair up in a pineapple. I also sleep with a silk pillow. I used to sleep with a silk bonnet when my curls were a bit shorter but I always felt like my hair was too long to be in the bonnet and it made my curls look all deformed. The pineapple method is much better for my hair.
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crush definitely has to be Lauren Lewis aka @laurenlewiss. Her curls are absolutely beautiful as is she. She does this one slick-back bun that just suits her face so beautifully. One day I want to be able to pull it off just like her. Her curls are also big and beautiful and I believe in a way mine are similar (if I didn’t have heat damage, of course”>. Even a messy bun looks great on her when she’s just traveling or being lazy and I think it’s because her curls are just so nicely defined. She’s also very free-spirited and travels all over the world modeling. Definitely my biggest curl crush.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My curly girl essential definitely has to be the OGX Coconut Curls conditioner. I take that thing everywhere I go. I have used other conditioners including other OGX lines, but this is the one that just hydrates my hair the best. I also can’t live without SheaMoisture Curling Gel Souffle. Even when I was dying my hair all sorts of light colors, this gel really defined and hydrated my curls. The gel is very oily and so helpful when it comes to hydration, which has always been my biggest problem. These two products saved my life.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My current regimen starts with a clarifying shampoo, OGX Coconut Curls Conditioner , and then a deep conditioner. I always debated whether I really needed to condition twice, but it seems my hair needs the extra help. When I don’t do it this way, I get totally different results. I then style with SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Leave-in, Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Curl Moisturizing Souffle, and my trusty curling gel souffle. Depending on when wash day is, I normally plop my hair in a t-shirt overnight for best results. When I was first transitioning, I must give credit to Camille Rose’s Curl Maker because that was my No. 1 gel at the time. It helped me manipulate my curls back to what they are supposed to be. After my curls were at a better state I went back to SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Souffle.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moment of my journey has been staying patient with my hair. Some mornings it was really rough getting a hairstyle together and taking four or five tries to achieve the perfect bun. There were times I felt hideous because my hair just wasn’t working for me nor was it curling. Its so hard to stay consistent and be patient and let your hair blossom, but the curly journeys I’ve read kept me motivated.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
The technique that has had the biggest impact on my hair is brushing with the Denman brush, and hair plopping overnight. The Denman brush is super effective for curl definition. I’ve tried multiple methods including brushing in the shower and brushing while styling and both work. Hair plopping overnight helped manipulate my curls. It gives a bit of an accordion effect, making my curls much more defined. It also helps capture moisture, which my hair is always in dire need of.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
My advice for women still struggling is to appreciate the little gradual changes and trust the process. It was hard for me to acknowledge any change in my hair, but now that I look back, my curls have come a long way and it’s only been a few months. So if you’re stressed because you can’t pull any hair-do’s off with transitioning hair, just work with what you got. Do a nice little bun or some twists, but just DO NOT straighten it.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
When it comes to natural hair, there are lots of ways to style your strands in a way that stands out.
A part is a great way to draw attention to your hair, and it can also affect the way your face looks in terms of shape. However, while some naturals have a natural part, what we’re born with might not always be what we want to present on the daily. And other naturals don’t have a visible part to begin with! So when you want to change things up and section your hair into a new style, here are a few of the best parts out there.
No Part? No Problem!
We know, we know, this is cheating a little bit. But for lots of naturals, their hair looks best when they have no part! With bouncy curls just falling wherever they fall, you can create a full-bodied look that is natural and effortless. If you don’t want a part, just let things fall and rest however they want to go.
Photo by @mominatu
Photo by @actually_ashly
Photo by @_iamsimplyk
Photo courtesy of @daynabolden
Straight Down The Middle
This is one of the best parts for natural hair because it’s so universal—this type of part works well with several different hair textures and styles. You can part your hair in the middle and just leave it out, of course. Or middle parts create a neat look that is perfect for sleek styles that call for your hair to be pulled back in a bun or ponytail, or into classically cute pigtails! A middle part can make a heart-shaped face appear more narrow, especially when you have longer hair.
Photo courtesy of @claire_most
Photo by @freshlengths
Photo by @curlsbyclaribel
Off to the Side
This slightly sassy part is great for those with a round face shape since it serves to elongate the appearance of the face. For all our baby-faced curlies, this will be the “Take me seriously” part that will age you up — no special effects required. If you have a lovely square-shaped face that you want to soften up on occasion, this will be the part that’s going to round off some of your sharper angles. To determine which side you need your side part to be on, examine your facial features. If one side of your face has stronger features or features that point upward, that’s the side you want to put your part on.
Photo by @sunitav_
Photo by @freddieharrel
Photo by @authentically.b
Zigzag
Looking to pump up the volume on your curls? Zigzag is one of the best parts for natural hair for a few reasons. The zigzag part helps create a lifted appearance to the roots as it serpentines across your scalp, and, really, it’s also just plain fun! If you have lower-density hair and a particularly visible part, this method is going to be just a little extra time that will instantly make any look seem extra special!
Photo by @jd_winters
Photo by @rhyliebriana
What parts have you tried, curlies? Be sure to keep up with the best tips in hair sectioning with us, and don’t forget to share your photos with @naturallycurly tagged!
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up in the Dominican Republic, I probably got my first blowout when I was three years old. The natural hair on the island is seen as “bad hair.” Curls, fros, and kinks are all a “no-no” in my country. My sister had thicker hair and tighter curls than me so she always used to get her hair relaxed and I was always happy because I was the one with “good hair” because my hair was easier to manage. Seeing and experiencing different responses and growing up listening to the terms “bad hair” and “good hair” taught me at the time that my curly hair wasn’t beautiful enough, so I hated it.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
To be honest, it was easier for me and more affordable. Moving from the Dominican Republic to NYC made me realize how expensive going to the beauty salon could be, plus it’s no reason to get a blowout in the hot and humid streets of NYC. When I started transitioning, I fell in love with the process. I realized it wasn’t only about having beautiful curls, it was about embracing my roots, my history, the history that many Dominicans deny on a daily basis, and my ancestors who are forgotten. When the truth hit, that’s when I started to embrace my curls with pride.
How have your family, friends, and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
“¿Muchacha tu ta loca?” which means “girl, are you crazy?” in Spanish. My mom went nuts when I stopped straightening my hair. I would always receive comments like “Why is your hair so messy?”, “When are you going to brush your hair?”, and “You look better with straight hair.” I got less support from my family, especially my mom who praised straight hair so much that she would straighten my hair every weekend, so finding out I was going natural really shocked her. I chose to embrace the process and educate those who are ignorant about natural hair along the way.
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
I used to cut my dead ends every 2-3 weeks and religiously deep conditioned 1-2 times a week with homemade masks with 100% natural products.
What is your current hair regimen?
I still deep condition every week, get trims every 3-4 months and clarify my hair every 2-3 weeks.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
Three-strand twists and the Denman brush are definitely a go to. When I was transitioning, twist outs were my best friend to help define my damaged curls. Now, I use the Denman brush for everything — it definitely helps a lot by defining my curls and detangling them.
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
Patience is the No. 1 thing you need when transitioning. No hair product or haircut will help your natural hair as much as having a lot of patience. Also, if you experienced heat damaged like me, you have to let go of the damaged hair and just cut it off. Lastly, deep conditioning every week is a must!
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image :@_saltycurls
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
It was quite interesting as I was the only one in my immediate family who had curly hair and the only one in my extended family who never straightened or treated my hair. My parents always expressed how beautiful my hair was and helped me be confident. But the first time I ever straightened my hair, I was like 15. Boys kept telling me I looked better with straight hair. So I started doing it more & more. I felt like I looked messy when my hair wasn’t straight.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I cut my hair very short, and all of a sudden my curls revived!! People started commenting on my hair, I started loving the way my curls were growing and I decided no more heat!
How have your family, friends, and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
My family has always loved my hair! This has really helped me love it as well. In fact, my dad always wants my hair to be “bigger”! It’s so much easier to deal with “different” hair when you have people around you constantly making you feel better about it! I also feel like right now everyone is really appreciating textured hair and volume!
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
I always did. I was just never comfortable with it. I didn’t feel put together if my hair was curly, but now I feel weird if my hair isn’t curly!
What is your current hair regimen?
Lost of hair masks, moisturizing, leave-in conditioners, diffusing, finger coils, and love!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
Diffusing for sure.
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
Textured hair, in my opinion, is the most amazing hair. It’s not possible for it to be boring. It’s fun, fluffy, big, bold, and it’s beautiful! Care for it and love it because many wish they had the gorgeous hair you have!
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image by:@kitzelreyes
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
My whole life I grew up not liking my hair. I would wake up super early to straighten my hair and I thought it was impossible to get my curl pattern back. Beauty standards are all about silky-smooth, straight hair and I was tired of it. At home no one mentioned my hair, but it was a touchy subject.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I realized that I didn’t need that to be “presentable,” and I just let my hair run wild. One day while doing my make-up, I came across a YouTube video talking all about the Curly Girl Method. I was so curious because I had never heard of it before. Either way, I decided to give it a go. Embracing your natural texture is all about persistence, patience, and a lot of trial and error. It has not been easy, yet I haven’t felt this good about myself in years.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Realizing I’m not the only one looking up to my curls. There are people out there who want my hair?!?! Crazy!!! That moment right there made me realize that I got this and my curls are just as beautiful! I think being a beauty influencer has made me more open to the curly community and I have made some amazing friends.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I wear my hair in a pineapple. I also have a satin pillow and I wear a satin bonnet.
Who is your curl crush?
@Hif3licia — her hair is amazing.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Witch I Love Your Hair Magical Mist and my Denman brush.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I wash and condition with the True by made beautiful and I have been using the GVP Sally’s Conditioning Balm as a leave-in during the winter for extra moisture. I follow up with the Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic and I add Aussie Instant Freeze Gel depending on the day I either diffuse or air dry.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Transitioning — it definitely was hard. My hair wasn’t curly or straight. I had such a hard time, but here I am now enjoying my hair. Don’t get me wrong — I still struggle, but not the same.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Using the Denman brush to define my curls and using the Hairepear hair towel has made a huge difference in controlling my frizz. I will also share a tip: If your hair is in need of hydration, go to your local organic store and get aloe vera juice and use it as a refresher.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Be patient and continue with this journey. It’s worth it. It’s such an amazing feeling to be able to wake up and love all of you. Your curls are just as beautiful — embrace your hair! My hair has given me self-love and confidence that makes me feel beautiful and unique. I still have a long way to go with my curls, but like I said, patience is key. I decided to dedicate my social media platform to talk all about curls and how to rock it because I didn’t have that. I didn’t have YouTube or Instagram to show this was possible. I want to change beauty standards and show the world that curly hair is just as beautiful.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
What is your hair type?
3b
What has been the most empowering moment of your journey so far? Most challenging?
The most empowering moment of my journey so far is being able to help fellow transitioning curlies. Most importantly my mom, she wouldn’t go a week without her hair being in a roller set and blow dried. To now see her rock her curls has been the most rewarding for sure! I must say transitioning was definitely hard to deal with and on the days where my curls would just not budge no matter how much TLC, it would break me down, but I was determined to be liberated and not allow society tear me down into grabbing that blow dryer just to make my hair look manageable. The journey has it’s struggles but I wouldn’t have it any other way. So be patient and be strong transitioning curlies I promise you the results are all worth it especially if you are able to help others along the way.
How do you prefer to protect your curls at night, bonnet, scarf or satin pillowcase?
Protecting my curls can sometimes be a hassle, but I can never go wrong with putting my hair up in a pineapple and using a satin pillow to help reduce frizz.
Who is your curl crush?
I didn’t have the guts to chop it all off and start fresh so transitioning was my way to go and I must say @lynnkate was definitely my curl crush because like myself she recovered from chemical damage from dyeing her hair too much and it gave me hope. Definitely, set attainable goals because it won’t happen overnight and also don’t look and expect to have hair goals from someone who has completely different curl types because you will definitely set yourself up for failure.
What’s your curly girl essential?
I must say my curly girl essential is definitely water. Sometimes people think you need to lather a whole bunch of product especially after already styling which is a mistake I commonly made but with time I realized a few sprays of water took my curls a long way and most importantly it’s inexpensive! Always trying to save my coins because products aren’t cheap.
Do you prefer to shampoo or co-wash?
I definitely love me a low poo cleanser, but I do clarify once a month just to make sure I get my scalp squeaky clean.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I currently style my curls with a cream styler and top it off with a gel during the hotter months and then follow that by air drying half way and diffusing the rest of it. Some of my favorites go-to’s are SheaMoisture JBCO line, Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel, LUS All-in-one Leave-in, Righteous Roots Oil, DevaCurl Styling Cream, Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo, and Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image by: @curlysisterhood
What is your hair type?
3b
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far? Most challenging?
After a year of not straightening my hair, I had the opportunity to go to the dry bar and get a blowout. I was nervous to see my hair straight, and when I did, I realized I loved my curls even more. It didn’t last long for me to wash my hair and go back to my curls. It felt so amazing to love my natural hair to a point that I felt uncomfortable wearing it any other way. My most challenging moment was the beginning. I was afraid of the big chop, so I opted to cut my hair little by little. That awkward stage made me almost give up. However, I’m glad I embraced my transitioning curls as well.
How do you prefer to protect your curls at night, bonnet, scarf or satin pillowcase?
I love to use a satin scrunchie for my pineapple and a scarf around it. I also use a pillowcase! I’m satin everything when I go to sleep.
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crush would have to be my sister Nicol. She was my inspiration for going natural and will always be my ultimate curl crush.
What’s your curly girl essential?
I need a pick in my purse, my bathroom, and my car! I love volume.
Do you prefer to shampoo or co-wash?
I like both. I try to elongate my wash and go as much as possible so I need a shampoo after a week. If I have time I co-wash in between.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I love hydrating shampoo and conditioners like the Mane Choice. My favorite styling cream would have to be Verb’s curl cream and I love to pair it with Ouidad’s climate control gel.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image by: @mrscurlcoachwalker
What is your hair type?
3b
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up was not easy. I hated getting my hair done by my mother, who is Latina with straight hair. She had no idea how to care for my hair so it was up in pig tales most of the time. When I was around 10 years old, I decided to take my hair into my own hands and I’ve been learning how to care for it ever since. There’s been some ups and downs dealing with my curls, but we made it!
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I’ve always loved and embraced it, but I fell in love with it when I learned how to care for it. I took the time to build a relationship with my curls and now we are the best of friends.
How have your family, friends, and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
They love it! They all fully support me because I use the knowledge I have and I share it with everyone. I’ve become the go-to person for natural hair info in my family and with my friends.
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
I started with the CG method, but after a year I stopped and started listening to my hair and its needs and that’s what works for me.
What is your current hair regimen?
I consider my self a wash and go queen that’s my go-to style.
- shampoo and condition once a week co-wash midweek if needed
- deep condition weekly
- trim and cut my own hair
- use a gel or cream to style and a light spray for daily refresh
- pineapple at night
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
I prefer the squish to condish and wet plopping.
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
Trust your process, take pride in your journey and celebrate your success.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image by: @sueecakes
What is your hair type?
4a
What has been the most empowering moment of your journey so far? Most challenging?
The most empowering moment was when I wore my natural hair for my wedding day! I had so many doubts because I was transitioning and I wasn’t where I wanted to be. A lot of people asked what I was going to do, but I decided to be myself and wear it the way it was. I didn’t want to change it. It took me a long time to get there and I’m so glad I did! Seeing my wedding photos and seeing my hair — the way it was — reminded me that I stayed true to myself and I decided to embrace it and I felt beautiful. It was a breaking point for me.
How do you prefer to protect your curls at night, bonnet, scarf or satin pillowcase?
The first 3-4 days after I wash my hair, I do a pineapple and I also have a satin pillowcase. This helps me a lot to avoid frizz. I refresh my hair the next day with a mix of water and styling cream. My hair is very curly and I don’t retain a lot of definition after the fourth day, so I usually put it in a pineapple until my next wash day.
Who is your curl crush?
There are so many beautiful girls embracing their hair and I would have to say my first curl crush was @analidialopess. She is a Brazilian blogger and even though all of her tutorials are in Portuguese, I’ve learned so much just watching and following during my transition year. I also love @joyjah — her healthy curls and length is amazing!!
What’s your curly girl essential?
It’s hard to choose one product, but it would have to be a leave-in conditioner. My hair is dry, so I have to apply a lot of moisture now that I live in Texas. I have to put extra juice in my hair and my favorite leave-in is the Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner from Mielle Organics. It smells so amazing and it leaves my hair very moisturized.
Do you prefer to shampoo or co-wash?
Co-wash all the way! But I use shampoo once a month to get that extra squeaky clean feeling!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I love trying new natural hair products and it all depends on how my hair feels. During the summertime, I use more gels to style my hair because it dries faster and I like big hair in the summer. During the cooler months, I apply styling creams just to give my hair a break and protect it from the cold. These are the products I apply when I wash my hair:
I deep condition my hair for 15 minutes, then I use a co wash-conditioner — styling cream — gel to seal it all! That’s basically what I apply most of the time. As for stylers, I love Camille Rose Curl Maker — it never fails! I always get so much definition and my curls last longer. I also love Ouidad Climate & Control Gel.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
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